Analyzing the Kansas-Nebraska Act

How many slave states were there in 1854? ________ Free states? ________

• There were 15 slave states and 19 free states in 1854.

• There were 14 slave states and 20 free states in 1854.

• There were 16 slave states and 18 free states in 1854.

• There were 13 slave states and 21 free states in 1854.

Why did the Missouri Compromise need to be repealed for this new law?

• To maintain the balance between free and slave states

• To allow the expansion of slavery into new territories

• To comply with international treaties

• To address economic concerns

Which group of Americans preferred the Missouri Compromise and why?

• Northern abolitionists because it limited the spread of slavery

• Southern slaveholders because it allowed slavery in new territories

• Western settlers because it promoted economic development

• Eastern industrialists because it protected their economic interests

What is Popular Sovereignty?

• A principle where the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

• A system where the monarch has absolute power over the state.

• A political system where the military holds the primary power.

• A form of government where religious leaders control the state.

Northerners and Southerners went to Kansas after this Act was passed because:

• they wanted to influence whether Kansas would be a free or slave state.

• they were seeking new economic opportunities.

• they were escaping political persecution.

• they were following a religious movement.

When Northern abolitionists looked at a map of America in 1854, what might have concerned them?

• The spread of slavery into new territories

• The lack of railroads in the North

• The presence of Native American tribes

• The expansion of industrialization

When Southern slaveholders looked at the map, what would have caused them concern?

• The expansion of free states

• The presence of Native American territories

• The lack of agricultural land

• The proximity to Northern states

Whose voices were absent in the decision over whether or not to permit slavery in the territories and why were they ignored?

• The voices of enslaved people were absent because they were not considered citizens and had no legal rights.

• The voices of women were absent because they were not allowed to vote or participate in political decisions.

• The voices of Native Americans were absent because they were not considered part of the political community.

• All of the above.

Stephen Douglas predicted that the Kansas–Nebraska Act would “impart peace to the country & stability to the Union.” Was he correct?

• Yes, it imparted peace and stability.

• No, it led to increased tensions and conflict.

• It had no significant impact.

• It was too early to determine its effects.

Abraham Lincoln said, “I particularly object to … this Nebraska law because it assumes that there CAN be MORAL RIGHT in the enslaving of one man by another.” Do you agree with him that even if people vote in favor of an issue, it can be deemed immoral and illegal by the government? Can you think of another issue where this might be the case?

• Yes, a government can deem an issue immoral and illegal even if people vote in favor of it.

• No, if people vote in favor of an issue, it cannot be deemed immoral and illegal by the government.

• It depends on the context and the specific issue at hand.

• I don't know.