Key Concepts of Pre-Civil War Era

Unit 4.3 Notes

State’s Rights

A system of government that divides power between national and state governments; reinforced by the 10th Amendment.

10th Amendment

Reserves all powers not given to the federal government for the states and the people.

Slavery

A contentious issue dividing the North (anti-slavery) and South (pro-slavery), with the North banning slavery by 1803.

Free Soil Party

A 3rd party that merged with the Republican Party, focused on opposing the expansion of slavery into new states.

Compromise of 1820

Drew a line to maintain balance in Congress between slave and free states, solved the slavery debate for 20 years.

Nullification

A legal theory allowing states to invalidate federal laws they believe are unconstitutional.

Sectionalism

The division of the United States regionally, leading to loyalty to regions rather than the entire country.

Wilmot Proviso

An attempt to block slavery in areas acquired from Mexico, marking the first attempt to ban slavery in new territories.

Compromise of 1850

A set of laws including California as a free state and stronger Fugitive Slave Laws, aimed at addressing slavery issues.

Underground Railroad

A network of anti-slavery advocates that helped slaves escape to free territories, notably Canada.

Fugitive Slave Law

Allowed slave catchers to capture runaway slaves in free areas and made it a crime to assist them.