How did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before and during the Civil War?
(4 points)
1. Disagreements over State Sovereignty: Before the Civil War, many Americans believed in the concept of states’ rights and saw the federal government as having limited powers. They believed that the states should have the ultimate authority to govern themselves and make decisions on issues like slavery. On the other hand, there were those who believed in a stronger federal government and saw it as having the power to regulate and make decisions for the entire nation, including issues related to slavery.
2. Nullification Crisis: In the 1830s, there was a major disagreement between the federal government and the state of South Carolina, known as the Nullification Crisis. South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs it believed were unfair and unconstitutional, asserting its right as a sovereign state to disregard federal laws. This crisis highlighted the deep divisions between those who believed in a strong federal government and those who advocated for states’ rights.
3. Dred Scott Decision: The Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott case further exacerbated the disagreements over the role of federal and state governments. The court held that Congress did not have the power to prohibit slavery in the territories, undermining the federal government's ability to regulate the expansion of slavery. This decision was strongly opposed by those who believed the federal government should have the authority to restrict or abolish slavery.
4. Secession and the Civil War: As the issue of slavery continued to divide the nation, the disagreements over the role of federal and state governments reached a boiling point. Southern states, arguing for their perceived states’ rights and fearing the federal government's growing anti-slavery sentiment, began seceding from the Union. This led to the Civil War, which ultimately decided the question of federal versus state authority, and solidified the power of the federal government over the states.