Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What caused the American Civil War?
Position‹2 of 2

States’ Rights

Under a specific interpretation of the American, it was outside of the Federal Government's jurisdiction to outright restrict a state institution - including slavery.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Admission of new states
    By the 19th century the United States was rapidly expanding westward with new states being formed and admitted into the Union. The two coalitions of Free and Slave states jockeyed to maintain power in the Senate with newly formed states joining either coalition. This balance of power was broken by 1958, favoring the Free State Coalition.
  2. Limited Federal government power
    Under the American Constitution, the Federal government could not impose the removal of institutions installed by State governments.