Their association need not be created, for it already exists; for eight centuries they have a "common weal" (la chose publique).

The safety and prosperity of this common weal is at once their interest, their need, their duty, and even their most secret wish.
If it is possible to speak here of a contract, their quasi-contract is made and settled for them beforehand.

The first article, at all events, is stipulated for, and this overrides all the others.

The nation must not be dissolved.

Public authorities must, accordingly, exist, and these must be respected.