Question

part b
which factor contributed most to abraham lincoln’s victory?
(not all factors described are accurate—see map for details.)
a western territories supported abraham lincoln.
b southern states were split between two democratic candidates.
c border states sided with the north and supported abraham lincoln.
d northern states had higher populations, giving them more electoral votes.
electoral college of 1860
popular vote
total: 4,685,591
electoral vote
total: 303
map showing different regions colored for lincoln (republican), breckinridge (democrat), douglas (democrat), bell (constitutional union)
key
lincoln (republican)
breckinridge (democrat)
douglas (democrat)
bell (constitutional union)

Explanation:

To determine the factor contributing most to Lincoln's victory, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Western territories had few electoral votes, so their support wasn’t the main factor.
• Option B: Southern states being split (Breckinridge and Bell) weakened Democratic opposition, but the Electoral College system and population - based electoral votes in the North were more crucial.
• Option C: Border states (like Missouri) didn't all side with Lincoln; some were neutral or with the South, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: The Electoral College allocates votes based on population (house seats + senate seats). Northern states had larger populations, leading to more electoral votes. Lincoln won most Northern states, and their high population gave a large electoral vote advantage, which was key to his victory.

Answer:

D. Northern states had higher populations, giving them more electoral votes.