Kansas Referendum and Political Dynamics

The transcript discusses the political turmoil in Kansas during the 1850s, focusing on the Lecompton Constitution and its impact on national politics. Stephen Douglas's opposition to President Buchanan's pro-slavery stance led to a split in the Democratic Party, forming alliances with Republicans and border state politicians. A compromise vote on a land grant tied to the Lecompton Constitution was ultimately rejected, signaling Kansas would not become a slave state. The 1858 elections saw a shift towards the Republican Party, setting the stage for Lincoln's election in 1860.

What was the main reason the free-state supporters did not participate in the Kansas referendum?

• They were not allowed to vote.

• They were not interested in voting.

• They believed the referendum was illegitimate.

• They were outnumbered by pro-slavery voters.

Why did Stephen Douglas oppose the Lecompton Constitution?

• He was a pro-slavery advocate.

• He believed in popular sovereignty.

• He wanted to support President Buchanan.

• He wanted to gain Southern support.

What was the outcome of the Lecompton Constitution in the Senate?

• It was rejected by a large margin.

• It was approved with strong support.

• It was never voted on.

• It was postponed indefinitely.

What was the main feature of the compromise proposed by Alexander Stephens?

• A new election for Kansas statehood.

• A vote on a land grant tied to the Constitution.

• A decision by the Supreme Court.

• A direct vote on the Lecompton Constitution.

What was the result of the Kansas vote on the land grant proposal?

• It was postponed.

• It was overwhelmingly rejected.

• It was accepted with conditions.

• It was narrowly approved.

How did the 1858 elections impact the Republican Party?

• They formed an alliance with Southern Democrats.

• They decided to support the Lecompton Constitution.

• They gained dominance in the North.

• They lost significant support.

What was the Buchanan administration's strategy against Stephen Douglas in the elections?

• They encouraged a third-party candidate.

• They supported his re-election.

• They remained neutral.

• They backed Lincoln to weaken Douglas.

What was the main consequence of the Democratic Party's division in 1858?

• It made it difficult to reunite the party.

• It resulted in a new party formation.

• It strengthened their position in Congress.

• It led to a unified front against Republicans.

What was the Republican Party's stance on slavery in the territories?

• They had no official stance.

• They wanted each territory to decide.

• They believed it should be a national decision.

• They supported popular sovereignty.

What was the impact of the Lecompton controversy on Fillmore voters?

• They supported the Buchanan administration.

• They shifted to the Republican Party.

• They remained undecided.

• They formed a new political party.