Question

based on the debate excerpts, which best expresses the development of lincolns position over the course of the debate?

a lincoln initially supports states rights but eventually comes to vehemently oppose the doctrine because it gives the states the constitutional authority to make immoral decisions.

b lincoln comes to uphold states rights doctrine for the states but not for the new territories. they have not yet become states and thus do not qualify for constitutional protection of states rights.

c lincoln retreats from his \house divided\ position under pressure from his opponent. he agrees that the nation can continue indefinitely half - slave and half - free if only states will carry out states rights principles.

d lincoln claims that a \house divided against itself cannot stand,\ meaning the nation cannot be half - slave, half - free. later, he concedes that states should be able to make their own decisions but not about something as wrong as slavery.

Explanation:

Lincoln's "house - divided" speech emphasized the unsustainability of a nation half - slave and half - free. He later recognized states' rights in general but drew the line at issues like slavery which he considered immoral. Option A is incorrect as there's no indication he initially supported states' rights in a way he later opposed. Option B is not in line with his overall stance. Option C is wrong since he didn't retreat from his "house - divided" position.

Answer:

D. Lincoln claims that a "house divided against itself cannot stand," meaning the nation cannot be half - slave, half - free. Later, he concedes that states should be able to make their own decisions but not about something as wrong as slavery.