Question

What was the central idea behind Stephen Douglas's concept of popular sovereignty in the debates?


It was a plan to abolish slavery in all states immediately.


It was the belief that each state or territory should decide for itself whether to allow slavery.


It was a proposal to limit slavery to Southern states only.


It was a strategy to expand slavery into Northern states.

Answer 1

It was the belief that each state or territory should decide for itself whether to allow slavery.

Explanation: Douglas argued that settlers—not Congress—should vote to determine whether slavery would be permitted in a territory (the basis of the Kansas–Nebraska Act and his positions in the Lincoln–Douglas debates).