When the Southern states began to secede from the Union, it was clear that the American political system had failed.
Directions: Think about the following questions. Then respond to the questions in a journal entry.
What was the main reason the Southern states felt that they needed to secede?
In your opinion, why do you think the compromises that Congress made failed to keep the Union together?
Do the failed compromises of the pre-Civil War era remind you of any current issues that Congress seems unable to resolve? If so, explain.