Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

What was a significant complaint from secessionists about the election of 1860?

1. The Democratic Party was able to capitalize on the split of the Republican Party

2. None of the four presidential candidates was able to win the required electoral votes

3. Non-slave states elected Lincoln against the objection of every slave state

4. Slave states were able to join together and influence the election of the president

The correct answer is: Non-slave states elected Lincoln against the objection of every slave state

The significant complaint from secessionists regarding the election of 1860 was that non-slave states elected Lincoln against the objection of every slave state. This reflects the core concerns of the secessionists who believed that Lincoln's election represented a direct threat to the institution of slavery and, consequently, to the way of life in the southern states. Lincoln, as the Republican candidate, had campaigned on a platform that opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories. His election was perceived by many in the southern states as an indication that their interests and rights were being disregarded by the northern states. This fear was compounded by the fact that Lincoln won the presidency without receiving any electoral votes from the slave states, which fueled the narrative among secessionists that they had been politically marginalized. This belief significantly contributed to the growing tensions between the North and the South, leading to the eventual secession of several southern states after the election.