how did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before end during the Civil War?

Answer 1

Before and during the Civil War, Americans had deep disagreements over the role of the federal and state governments. These disagreements ultimately contributed to the sectional tensions that led to the war itself. Here are some key points of disagreement:

1. States' Rights: One of the primary issues was the extent to which states had the right to govern themselves independently of federal interference. Southern states, in particular, believed in the doctrine of states' rights, arguing that they had voluntarily entered into a compact, which they could leave if the federal government abused its authority. They held that states should retain significant power to protect their own interests, including the institution of slavery.

2. Slavery: Slavery was another major point of contention, with Americans divided on whether the federal government had the authority to regulate or abolish it. Southern states staunchly defended the institution of slavery, arguing that it was a state issue protected by states' rights. Conversely, many Northern states and abolitionists believed that slavery violated fundamental principles of human rights and pushed for federal intervention to eradicate it.

3. Tariffs and Economic Policy: Disagreements also arose over economic policies, particularly tariffs. Southern states relied heavily on agriculture and advocated for free trade, while Northern states, with their growing industrial base, supported protective tariffs to protect their emerging industries against foreign competition. The tensions around tariffs highlighted the different economic interests and priorities of the North and South.

4. Nullification Crisis: Prior to the Civil War, the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833 highlighted the debates over state and federal authority. South Carolina, among other Southern states, sought to nullify the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832, claiming that they were unconstitutional. This crisis demonstrated the fervent belief held by many Southerners in the supremacy of state laws over federal legislation, while others, such as President Andrew Jackson, asserted federal authority and threatened military force.

These disagreements over the role of federal and state governments continued to intensify throughout the 1850s, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.