Many 21st Century Americans believe that the pre-Civil War South strongly supported States' Rights (the idea that individual states should have the power to determine the laws within their respective states, limiting the power of the Federal government). Which of the following is evidence that this was not totally true?
A. Southern states pushed for the annexation of Texas
B. Southern states called for secession as early as 1850 over the issue of freedom of the seas, which Northern states had limited with state laws
C. Southern states took Northern states to the Supreme Court over the issue of Northern states passing "liberty laws"
D. Southern support for the 10th Amendment
Answer (2)
The belief that the pre-Civil War South strictly adhered to States' Rights is challenged by evidence such as Southern support for Texas annexation and legal actions against Northern states. These instances show that Southern states often relied on federal authority to protect their interests. Overall, the dynamics between state and federal power were more complex than the simplistic narrative of States' Rights suggests. ;
The belief that Southern states fully embraced States' Rights is challenged by their actions, such as supporting the annexation of Texas and taking legal actions against Northern states. This indicates a complex relationship where Southern states often sought federal power to defend their interests, particularly related to slavery. The most appropriate answer is C, Southern states took Northern states to the Supreme Court over the issue of Northern states passing 'liberty laws.'
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