Can Texas Secede From the Union? | Texas v. White

The video discusses the historical context and legal implications of the Texas v. White Supreme Court case. It begins with Texas receiving bonds from the U.S. Congress in 1850 and its subsequent secession attempt in 1861. During the Civil War, Texas used these bonds to fund the Confederate cause. After the war, the new Texas government sought to reclaim the bonds, leading to a Supreme Court case. The Court ruled in favor of Texas, stating that states cannot secede from the Union, reinforcing the idea of an indissoluble union. This case is pivotal in discussions about state secession rights.

What financial action did Texas take during the Civil War to support its efforts?

• Sold land to foreign countries

• Cashed in bonds for war supplies

• Increased taxes on citizens

• Issued new currency

Why did Texas sue White and Chiles in the Supreme Court?

• To demand compensation for war damages

• To challenge the legality of secession

• To reclaim bonds sold during the Civil War

• To dispute the results of the Civil War

What was one of the main arguments made by White and Chiles against Texas's lawsuit?

• Texas had no legal standing as it was not a state

• The bonds were counterfeit

• The Supreme Court had no jurisdiction over financial matters

• The bonds were already redeemed

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding Texas's status during the Civil War?

• Texas's secession was legally valid

• Texas was a separate nation during the war

• Texas remained a state and could not secede

• Texas was not a state and had no rights

What broader constitutional principle did the Texas v. White case reinforce?

• The Supreme Court cannot rule on state matters

• The federal government can dissolve state governments

• States can secede if they have a majority vote

• States cannot unilaterally secede from the Union