Final answer:
Lincoln's inaugural address focused on the permanent nature of the Union and opposition to secession, while Davis's address took a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing states' rights and suggesting that secession was meant to preserve the status quo. Their distinct stances on these issues highlight the fundamental differences in their arguments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The speakers' arguments in Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address and Jefferson Davis's Inaugural Address differ significantly, particularly regarding their views on secession and the Union. In his address, Lincoln strongly opposed secession, emphasizing the permanent nature of the Union and the unconstitutionality of individual state actions trying to dissolve it. On the other hand, Davis downplayed the revolutionary nature of secession, suggesting the South acted only to preserve the status quo, thus evidencing different perspectives on the constitutional legitimacy and permanence of the Union.
Moreover, Lincoln affirmed the importance of majority rule and made a plea for reconciliation, indicating he would not initiate violence unless provoked. By contrast, Davis's comments suggested an openness to other states joining the Confederate States of America, reflecting a commitment to the states' rights and the legitimacy of their secession. Hence, the correct answer is 'c. They have different views on secession and the Union.'