Which of the following most clearly contrasts Abraham Lincoln’s position on slavery with that of Stephen Douglas?

Question

Lincoln believed each state should decide the matter for itself, while Douglas believed slavery should spread no further.
Lincoln believed slavery should be permitted throughout the country, while Douglas believed slavery should spread no further.
Lincoln believed slavery should be abolished, while Douglas believed slavery should be permitted throughout the country.
Lincoln believed slavery should spread no further, while Douglas believed each state should decide the matter for itself.

Answer 1

The statement that most clearly contrasts Abraham Lincoln’s position on slavery with that of Stephen Douglas is:

Lincoln believed slavery should be abolished, while Douglas believed slavery should be permitted throughout the country.

This contrast highlights Lincoln's anti-slavery stance, as he believed in limiting the expansion of slavery and, ultimately, abolishing it, while Douglas advocated for popular sovereignty, allowing states to decide whether to permit slavery.