Questions and Answers
What event led to the South Carolina Declaration of Secession?
Abraham Lincoln winning the 1860 election.
What percentage of the popular vote did Abraham Lincoln receive in the 1860 election?
40%
Did Abraham Lincoln receive any southern votes in the Electoral College?
False
When did South Carolina vote to secede?
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What did South Carolina issue along with its vote to secede?
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How many states refused to fulfill their constitutional obligations according to South Carolina?
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What does the fourth Article of the United States Constitution state?
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Why was the stipulation in the fourth Article of the Constitution important?
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What did the majority of the contracting parties hold?
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What did the contracting parties make a condition in the Ordinance for the government of the territory ceded by Virginia?
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What does the same article of the Constitution stipulate for?
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What does South Carolina refer to as proof of the fourteen states' refusal to fulfill their constitutional obligations?
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What does the Constitution stipulate for fugitives from justice from other states?
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What did South Carolina assert about the fact of the fourteen states' refusal?
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What did South Carolina consider the stipulation in the fourth Article of the Constitution?
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What did the majority of the contracting parties previously make a condition in?
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What is the General Government?
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What has led to a disregard of the General Government's laws?
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Which states have enacted laws that nullify or render useless the Acts of Congress?
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What happens to fugitives in many of these states?
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Has any state government complied with the stipulations made in the Constitution?
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Which state initially passed a law in conformity with its constitutional obligation?
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What has New Jersey done more recently?
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What right has been denied to slaves in the state of New York?
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Which states have refused to surrender fugitives charged with murder and inciting servile insurrection?
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What happens when the constituted compact is broken and disregarded?
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What are the ends for which the Constitution was framed?
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What were the ends that the Federal Government aimed to accomplish?
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How was the right of property in slaves recognized?
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Study Notes
South Carolina Declaration of Secession (1860)
- South Carolina declared its secession in response to Abraham Lincoln winning the 1860 presidential election, which increased tensions over slavery.
- Lincoln received 40% of the popular vote but did not obtain any votes from Southern states in the Electoral College.
- The official vote for secession took place on December 20, 1860, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
Legislative Actions and Legal Foundations
- South Carolina issued the 'Declaration of the Immediate Causes' alongside the secession vote, outlining grievances against the federal government.
- The state claimed that fourteen other states failed to meet their constitutional obligations regarding the return of escaped slaves.
- The fourth Article of the U.S. Constitution, addressing the return of fugitive slaves, was deemed essential for the compact between states.
Historical Context of Slave Laws
- The significance of Article IV of the Constitution is underscored by its role in the agreement among states during the formation of the Union.
- Most contracting parties held slaves, indicating the deep-rooted connection between slavery and state rights.
- Inprior legislative acts, a condition regarding the return of fugitive slaves was attached to the governance of territories ceded by Virginia.
Non-compliance and Hostility
- South Carolina cited hostility from non-slaveholding states as a growing problem that undermined the authority of the General Government.
- Several Northern states implemented laws nullifying federal laws concerning slavery and often discharged fugitive slaves from service or labor claims.
Constitutional Obligations and Reactions
- New Jersey initially complied with constitutional obligations but later enacted laws that contradicted its former adherence.
- States such as Ohio and Iowa notably refused to surrender fugitives charged with serious crimes, indicating a significant breakdown in cooperative agreements.
Consequences of the Compact's Violation
- South Carolina asserted that if the compact established by the Constitution is broken, then the state is no longer bound by it.
- The Constitution aimed to promote a more perfect union, establish justice, and ensure the blessings of liberty, but the violation of these principles by other states was a major point of contention for South Carolina.
Recognition of Property Rights
- The recognition of property rights in slaves was an area of intense debate, with the Federal Government's aim being to assert equality among states and control over their institutions.
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Description
Explore the pivotal events surrounding South Carolina's Declaration of Secession in 1860. Delve into the motivations behind the secession, including the impact of Abraham Lincoln's election and the grievances outlined against the federal government. Understanding these key historical elements provides insight into the tensions over slavery that led to the Civil War.
