In the antebellum period, politics and the legal system became super intertwined over the issue of the expansion of slavery. The way slavery was regulated was the ultimate talking point—or rather, shouting point—of the 1850s, and finally became an issue for the Supreme Court.
In his "House Divided" speech, Lincoln muses on the role of the U.S. government and the legal system in the slavery debate, rather than the public. He looks at how the Constitution in particular has been used to protect the institution of slavery. (Which: boo.)
Questions About Politics
- How were questions over legal issues unusually important in politics at this moment? Can you think of other times in American history when there was a similar situation?
- How does Lincoln characterize the legal and political situation of U.S., and how does he do it?
- In the context of antebellum America, why do you think Lincoln focuses on the political aspect of the slavery debate, rather than the emotional, economic, or some other perspective?
- Do you agree or disagree with Lincoln's view on the effect of the judicial system and the Constitution in the slavery debate? Why?
Chew on This
Check out some potential thesis statements about House Divided Speech.
Maybe it's not a coincidence that the lawyer guy is so interested in the judicial system.
Lincoln and Taney seem to have very, very different opinions on what the Constitution says.