The middle of the 19th Century was a period of turbulence and discontent for Americans; although citizens of one country, America was split by the presence of an institution known as slavery. The controversy surrounding the practice of slavery instigated the dichotomy of the nation and presented an ideological dispute among the brethren of the United States of America. The essence of the debate over slavery was moral in nature, with arguments over slavery as "right" or "wrong" prevalent in the North and South alike. While Southerners insisted on preserving slavery, political defenders of the institution sought constitutional support for their cause. One senator in particular, Stephen Douglas, made a statement in his speech that sparked the response of rising politicians of the Republican party, including Abraham Lincoln. Douglas proclaimed, "our fathers, when they framed the Government under which we live, understood the question just as well, and even better, than we do now." Douglas was alluding to one issue of slavery in particular: evidence from the constitution prohibiting the Federal Government to control the Federal Territories in regards to the existence of slavery. Lincoln, a Republican with a background in law, carefully prepared an argument to defend the constitution and thus disprove Douglas. The elegant and masterful articulateness of Lincoln aided in the audience's reception of the Cooper Union Address, the speech where Lincoln concluded that the Constitution upheld the right of the Federal Government to interfere on matters concerning slavery in the Federal Territories.
             Lincoln's political philosophy was democratic and strategic. Although Lincoln held strong views in connection to the spread of slavery, he also knew how to speak eloquently enough so as to gain the respect of opponents such as the Democrats. Lincoln's approach to the debate was conclusive and empirically s...