The plain and unquestionable fact is, that each State adopted or rejected the Constitution for itself, and for itself alone. No twelve States could by their united action lay the bonds of a new Constitution on the thirteenth State. This was universally conceded. The little State of Rhode Island stood aloof; and though her conduct was reprobated, no one denied her right. Neither all the other States combined, nor all the people of America, had the shadow of an authority to constrain her action, or to control her own free choice.
