How did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before and during the Civil War?
essay question
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Before the Civil War, Americans disagreed over the role of federal and state governments in various aspects of governance. One major point of contention was the issue of states' rights versus federal power. Southern states, in particular, believed in a strong state government and argued for the right to secede from the Union if they felt their interests were being jeopardized. On the other hand, northern states advocated for a strong central government and emphasized the importance of national unity. This disagreement over the balance of power between the federal and state governments ultimately contributed to the growing tensions that led to the Civil War. During the war, the role of the federal government expanded significantly as it asserted its authority and curtailed the powers of individual states. This further intensified the divide between the North and the South, exacerbating the conflict and ultimately leading to the defeat of the Confederacy.