The Dred Scott decision is often cited as a contributing factor to the start of the Civil War because it:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Eliminated the middle ground for political compromise on slavery
By declaring that Congress could not regulate slavery in territories, the Court destroyed the potential for legislative compromises like the Missouri Compromise. This left the North and South with no peaceful way to resolve their differences through the democratic process.
Keep practicing
More Dred Scott v. Sandford questions
- Which legal principle, previously used in Missouri, was overturned by the Missouri Supreme Court prior to the case reaching the U.S. Suprem…
- Which of the following best describes the 'Sandford' in the case title Dred Scott v. Sandford?
- The 14th Amendment to the Constitution directly addressed the Dred Scott decision by:
- Which of the following was NOT a part of Taney's majority opinion in the Dred Scott case?
- The Dred Scott v. Sandford case is an example of which of the following judicial philosophies?
- On what primary legal basis did Dred Scott argue for his freedom before the Supreme Court?