[baltimorepoet]

Northerners believed that America was the world’s last great hope for democracy, and if the South destroyed the Union by force, that light of liberty might be extinguished forever. Lincoln once said the North must prove “that popular government is not an absurdity. We must settle this question now, whether in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government whenever they choose. If we fail it will go far to prove the incapability of the people to govern themselves.”

The only question that was settled, was that if your murder enough people who disagree with you, you can impose your will on the survivors, and that this principle applies to Republican forms of government, just as it does to Monarchies and Dictatorships.

What "consent to govern" and "social contract" really means is that "I only govern with your granting consent for me to govern you, and if you don't consent I will murder you."

The "social contract" is not a real contract because it is imposed under duress.

[C19fan]

“Lincoln once said the North must prove “that popular government is not an absurdity....”

Yes the whole world was watching. The British gentry Tory elite and a lot of Whigs too were hoping the Union would fail to prove what a folly a representative gov’t on a continental scale was.

[kosciusko51]

The "social contract" is not a real contract because it is imposed under duress.

Great point.

Off-topic, that seems to be the attitude that comes out of Washington these days.

[Cen-Tejas]

Applying your excellent points to today, does anyone expect any quarter from “The Left” if the shooting starts?

So, arguably, isn’t increased control of State Legislatures after the last election more important than the similarly improved control of the more corrupt federal legislature?

[kiryandil]

What "consent to govern" and "social contract" really means is that "I only govern with your granting consent for me to govern you, and if you don't consent I will murder you."

You missed an important point:

What "consent to govern" and "social contract" really means is that "I only govern with your granting consent for me to govern you, and if you don't consent I will murder you."

And I'll pin medals on my gunthugs for murdering you.