How did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before and during the Civil War? Make sure to answer in one paragraph.

Answer 1

Before and during the Civil War, Americans disagreed over the role of federal and state governments. On one hand, there were those who believed in a strong federal government that should have authority over the states. This group argued that a centralized government could better serve the nation as a whole, enforce national laws, and promote unity. On the other hand, there were advocates for states' rights who believed that the power of the federal government should be limited, with most authority residing in the individual states. They emphasized the importance of local control, autonomy, and protection of states' interests. This divide often centered around issues such as slavery, tariffs, and economic policies, further fueling the tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War.