Election of 1860 & Secession (College Board AP® US History): Exam Questions

"Wrong as we think slavery is, we can yet afford to let it alone where it is, because that much is due to the necessity arising from its actual presence in the nation; but can we, while our votes will prevent it, allow it to spread into the national territories, and to overrun us here in these free states? If our sense of duty forbids this, then let us stand by our duty, fearlessly and effectively."

Abraham Lincoln, Cooper Union Address, February 27, 1860

Which of the following events most directly influenced Lincoln’s position in the excerpt?

"Wrong as we think slavery is, we can yet afford to let it alone where it is, because that much is due to the necessity arising from its actual presence in the nation; but can we, while our votes will prevent it, allow it to spread into the national territories, and to overrun us here in these free states? If our sense of duty forbids this, then let us stand by our duty, fearlessly and effectively."

Abraham Lincoln, Cooper Union Address, February 27, 1860

Lincoln’s argument in the excerpt most directly reflects which of the following continuities in U.S. history?