Before and during the Civil War, Americans were sharply divided over the role of federal and state governments, particularly in the context of slavery and states' rights. Southern states, advocating for the principle of states' rights, argued that states should have the authority to make their own laws regarding slavery without federal interference, a sentiment reflected in the formation of the Confederacy and articulated in documents like the South's Declaration of Causes. In contrast, many Northerners, including the federal government, believed that a strong national authority was necessary to preserve the Union and implement civil rights, leading to significant tensions that were evident in events such as the Missouri Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and ultimately the secession of Southern states following the election of Abraham Lincoln.
Write a sentence or two to answer the question. You will get more points for more detail. How did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before and during the Civil War? This could include a discussion on what groups or regions supported states' rights, or events and legislation that represented support for states' rights. (4 points)
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