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Did The Constitution Lead To The Failure Of The Union Dbq

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It is true to say that by the 1850’s the Constitution went from an instrument of unity to a source of tension, and lead to the failure of the union. The Constitution originally helped maintain peace, but when issues over slavery appeared, it failed to provide the guidance the union needed. Because of differing interpretations of the Constitution and the multiple conflicts, it lead to disunion. Because not everyone could agree on what the constitution implied, it led to the failure of the union. Document E states: “The words ‘slaves’ and ‘slavery’ are not to be found in the Constitution, and therefore that it was never intended to give any protection or countenance to the slave system, it is sufficient to reply.. Other words were used intelligently …show more content…

By law of Congress September 1850 it is a high crime..to resist the reenslaving a man on the coast of America… What kind of Constitution which covers it?” Emerson believes that if you follow the Constitutions immoral laws, it is suicidal. The law is getting tangled up within itself, which ultimately leads to its destruction. This document is trustworthy because it is from Emerson’s own address. Knowing Emerson as a transcendentalist, these ideas fit with his views. If you don’t agree with something in the government, don’t follow it. Another big controversy was the Confederacy, and what the Constitution had to say about it. Document G says: “Has the constitution delegated to Congress the power to coerce a State into submission which is attempting to withdraw or has actually withdrawn from the Confederacy? ..I have arrived at the conclusion that no such power has been delegated to Congress..” James Buchanan is showing strict constructionist views, and he’s saying that since the Constitution doesn't say Congress can force a State into submission, that the states are free to leave. Abraham Lincoln speaks from a slightly different perspective in Document I: “Our States have

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