Stephen A. Douglas was known for his speeches advocating for popular sovereignty, particularly in relation to the question of slavery in the territories. One of his most famous speeches was during the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, where he expressed his views on the issue.
A key statement that reflects his point of view is:
"I don’t care whether slavery is voted up or voted down."
This statement illustrates Douglas's belief in allowing the settlers of a territory to decide the issue of slavery for themselves, rather than having it dictated by Congress or any external authority. His stance on popular sovereignty was central to his political philosophy and was a significant point of contention with his opponent, Abraham Lincoln.
If you have a specific speech or excerpt in mind, feel free to share, and I can help analyze that particular part!