Question

Do you think it was constitutional of the government to require Americans to return run-away slaves to their owners? Why or why not?

a) Yes, it was constitutional.
b) No, it was not constitutional.
c) It's a complex issue with no easy answer.
d) I'm unsure of the constitutionality.

Answer 1

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 required Americans to return runaway slaves to their owners and was considered constitutional based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott case. The law faced resistance in the North because it violated individual rights and freedoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 required all citizens to help in the capture of fugitive slaves and return them to their owners. This law was considered constitutional at the time because it was based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case. In that case, the Court ruled that slaves who escaped must be returned to their owners. Additionally, the Court stated that blacks did not have federal citizenship and could not bring suit in federal courts.

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 was controversial and faced resistance in the North because it violated the rights and freedoms of individuals, especially free blacks. Many Northerners argued that it undermined their states' freedom of choice. However, the law remained in effect until the end of the Civil War when slavery was abolished.