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 initially supported states' rights but then strongly opposed the idea of a nation being half - slave and half - free. He believed a "house divided against itself cannot stand," meaning a nation cannot be half - slave and half - free. He conceded that states should not be able to make decisions about slavery as it was wrong.

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.