Which specific clause of the Constitution did Taney interpret as protecting a slaveholder’s right to bring property into any territory?
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Correct answer: The Territorial Clause
Taney interpreted Article IV, Section 3 (the Territorial Clause) narrowly, arguing it only applied to land held at the time of the founding. He asserted that the federal government held territories only as a 'trustee' for the states, meaning it couldn't limit the rights of citizens from any state to bring their 'property' there.
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