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information about each candidate

candidate, political party, views on slavery, planned actions on slavery if elected, regions of strongest support

Abraham lincoln, republican, does not own slaves "if slavery is not wrong, nothing is", prohibit slavery in territories; limit slavery to where it already exists, north (N)

stephen douglas, democrat, does not own slaves, but his wife does "it is none of my business which way the slavery clause [in Kansas] is decided", oppose federal slave code, support popular sovereignty, North and Border states

john breckenridge, democrat, owns slaves. Slavery is a "wholly local and domestic issue that states should decide". Support federal slave code, support popular sovereignty. South and border states

john bell, constitutional union. Owns slaves. Slavery is a "blessing morally, socially, and politically."

imagine that each of the statements below is made by a voter in 1860.

which candidate would each person most likely support, based on their views about slavery?

"im glad slavery isn't allowed in my state, but i think that each state should decide for themselves how to handle the slavery question"

"im worried that taking any action on slavery now may lead to war. The government should avoid changing any laws about slavery until things calm down."

"I believe slavery is evil, if we cant get rid of it now, we must at least do whatever we can to stop it from spreading."

"I think the states should device whether to allow slavery, and the federal government should protect the rights of slave holders. American citizens should be able to take their property anywhere they want to within the united states"

1 answer

Based on the views of the candidates regarding slavery in 1860, here’s how each voter statement aligns with a particular candidate’s stance:

  1. "I'm glad slavery isn't allowed in my state, but I think that each state should decide for themselves how to handle the slavery question."

    • Candidate: Stephen Douglas
    • Explanation: Douglas supported popular sovereignty, allowing states to decide whether to permit slavery.

  2. "I'm worried that taking any action on slavery now may lead to war. The government should avoid changing any laws about slavery until things calm down."

    • Candidate: John Bell
    • Explanation: As a Constitutional Union candidate, Bell took a more moderate approach and likely would advocate for maintaining the status quo to avoid conflict and preserve the Union.

  3. "I believe slavery is evil; if we can't get rid of it now, we must at least do whatever we can to stop it from spreading."

    • Candidate: Abraham Lincoln
    • Explanation: Lincoln’s strong anti-slavery sentiments are evident in this statement, as he aimed to prohibit the extension of slavery into new territories, although he did not propose immediate eradication of existing slavery.

  4. "I think the states should decide whether to allow slavery, and the federal government should protect the rights of slaveholders. American citizens should be able to take their property anywhere they want to within the United States."

    • Candidate: John Breckinridge
    • Explanation: Breckinridge supported popular sovereignty while also advocating for the protection of slavery rights and property, aligning with the sentiment expressed in the statement.