There is much evidence and opinion to support the idea that the Constitution was a source of sectional discord and tension, which ultimately contributed to the failure of the Union it had created. Slavery was a hot debate topic that clashed with America's founding ideals and popular morality, while the Constitution's vagueness allowed for internal contradictions. With the acquisition of new territories came the mounting question of where slavery should be allowed. The Constitution only fueled this confusion by providing no clear directive on its prohibition or acceptance. This, as a result, left room for dispute and severance. Also, the document failed to offer agreement on where sovereignty lay and the issue of slavery greatly accelerated this argument. In this way, the Constitution contributed to the destruction of a nation that it was trying to protect.

The Constitution was a contributor to the Civil War and a source...