Final answer:
The 1860 Republican platform stated all of the options: a) government aid for a transcontinental railroad, b) free homesteads in the West, and c) opposition to slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1860 Republican platform included multiple key points. The party retained their strong stance against the expansion of slavery into new territories, underscoring their commitment to free soil ideals. In addition to opposing slavery, the Republicans supported the federal government in aiding the construction of a transcontinental railroad and providing free homesteads in the West through the Homestead Act. These policies aimed to encourage the westward movement of settlers and the concept of free soil, which was central to their political ideology during that period.
In summary, the correct answer to the student's question is d. all of these: the government ought to aid in the construction of a transcontinental railroad, the government should give free homesteads in the West, and the party was opposed to slavery.