Question

Use the quotation to answer the question.
“[T]he maintenance . . . of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgment [alone], is essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend. . . .”
—Abraham Lincoln, 1st inaugural address, March 4, 1861
In his inaugural address, why did Lincoln refer to the right of each state to control its own affairs?
1. to assure the southern states that they would make their own decisions about slavery
2. to affirm his belief in popular sovereignty
3. to assure the Confederate States of America that their decision to secede was valid
4. to assure the North that slavery would be abolished in all states

Answer 1

The reason why Lincoln referred to the right of each state to control its own affairs was "2. to affirm his belief in popular sovereignty," since his primary goal was "preserving the union"--not ending slavery. 

Answer 2

Answer:

2. to affirm his belief in popular sovereignty.

Explanation:

In these lines, Abraham Lincoln affirms his belief in popular sovereignty. He states that the states should have the right to order and control their own domestic institutions in the way that they see fit. Moreover, he argues that this is essential to the balance of power in the country. This is because Lincoln believes in popular sovereignty, and he thinks that ultimately, the people should be the ones to make their own decisions.