Question

John Bell's Constitutional Union Party served what purpose in the election of 1860?
-In attempting to appease both sides of the slavery issue, it gained no votes.
-In attempting to appease both sides of the slavery issue, it split votes that could have gone to a decisive candidate.
-It caused no candidate to clearly win a majority.
-By being non-committal on slavery, Bell almost won the election.

Answer 1

Answer: In attempting to appease both sides of the slavery issue, it split votes that could have gone to a decisive candidate.

The Constitutional Union Party was a political party created in 1860. It was made up of conservative Whigs who wanted to avoid the secession of the South over the issue of slavery. The party hoped to push aside the issue by not taking a firm stand either for or against it.

The party won the electoral votes of three states (Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee) due to the split in Democratic votes. However, the party did not get 50% of the popular vote in any state.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. In attempting to appease both sides of the slavery issue, it split votes that could have gone to a decisive candidate.