Are the States in the USA Considered Countries: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

The United States has a complex and often misunderstood history regarding the sovereignty of its constituent states. Originally, the treasuries of the United States were sovereign states, each independent and equal in their sovereignty. The foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the peace treaty with Britain explicitly affirmed the United States as 'free and independent states.' However, over time, the role of the states has evolved, leading to a more federalist structure and, subsequently, questions about their sovereignty.

Historical Background: States as Independent Nations

During the formative years of the United States, the states were considered independent nations. The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, and the subsequent Articles of Confederation, which governed the nascent nation, explicitly recognized the states' sovereignty. The Articles of Confederation, in particular, outlined a decentralized and loosely confederated system, where states retained the majority of their powers and autonomy. This federal structure was further solidified by the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which recognized the United States as an independent nation composed of 13 sovereign states.

The Declaration of Independence

Eleven years before the Constitution was drafted, the Declaration of Independence justified the states' sovereignty and independence. It declared that the colonies were 'free and independent states' and articulated the principles of self-governance and the inherent rights of the states.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, established a federal system in which the states retained most of their sovereignty. The Articles did not establish a strong central government capable of raising its own revenues or enforcing its policies. Instead, the states were responsible for their own defense, internal management, and foreign relations. The weakness of the central government led to the convening of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a stronger federal structure was designed.

James Madison, a prominent figure at the Constitutional Convention, described the proposed system as a 'compound republic' where states would delegate some powers to a general government. This general government would protect the sovereignty of the states while also addressing common issues such as foreign policy, defense, and trade.

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, further cemented the reserved powers of the states. It states that powers not delegated to the federal government and not prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. This provision reinforced the idea that states could maintain significant autonomy and sovereignty.

Contemporary Implications: States’ Sovereignty in the Modern Era

While the states are no longer fully sovereign, they still enjoy considerable autonomy and influence. The rise of the Administrative State and the expansion of the welfare state have led to a more centralized federal government. This shift has diluted the role of the states as intermediaries between the government and the people, leading to a perception that they are mere administrative regions.

The Civil War and Its Aftermath

The Civil War (1861-1865) marked a turning point in the relationship between the states and the federal government. The war demonstrated the power of the federal government to preserve the Union. The Supreme Court's decision in Texas v. White (1868) confirmed the United States as an 'indestructible union of indestructible states.' This decision helped to solidify the power of the federal government over the states and reinforced the notion of a unified nation.

The Modern Renaissance of State Sovereignty

However, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence in the affirmation of state sovereignty. States like California and Texas, with their large populations and economies, are increasingly asserting their rights and influence. California, for instance, has become a global player in its own right, particularly in areas like environmental policy and technology. Texas, once an independent republic, now has robust secessionist movements advocating for a renewed sovereignty.

California: California's economy is one of the largest in the world, and the state has a significant political influence. Under both Democratic and Republican governors, California has become a de facto nation in its global positioning. The state has increasingly used its economic leverage to assert its sovereignty, particularly in areas like environmental policy and trade.

Texas: Texas, with its rich history as a former independent republic, has been at the forefront of asserting its sovereignty. Governor Greg Abbott and other state officials have spearheaded efforts to patrol the border, stem illegal immigration, and assert state rights against what they perceive as federal inaction.

These movements highlight the enduring debate about the sovereignty of states within the United States. While the federal government remains preeminent, there are clear signs that states are reasserting their rights and influence, particularly in the face of political and cultural divisions.

Conclusion

From their initial status as independent nations to their current position as integral but less sovereign parts of the United States, the states' role has evolved significantly. The historical context of states' sovereignty, from the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation to the Civil War and the modern resurgence of state rights, provides insights into the complex and ongoing nature of U.S. federalism.