Apentix/AP US History/Unit 5: Period 5 (1844-1877)/Question
AP US Historyhardmcq1 pt

The ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford most directly undermined which of the following political principles?

A.Popular sovereignty as Douglas framed it, because the Court said neither Congress nor territorial legislatures could exclude slavery
B.The principle of judicial review established in Marbury v. Madison
C.The constitutional ban on the international slave trade
D.States' rights to secede from the Union

Explanation

Core Concept

If territories could not bar slavery before statehood, letting settlers decide became hollow. Douglas's Freeport Doctrine tried to preserve popular sovereignty despite the ruling, deepening the split in his own party.

Correct Answer

APopular sovereignty as Douglas framed it, because the Court said neither Congress nor territorial legislatures could exclude slavery

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