Question

3) What does this statement - "the idea of slavery is inconsistent with our own conduct and

Constitution" - mean? Why is it significant?

Answer 1

13th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction

Answer 2

This statement in other words is saying that slavery is unconstitutional. It is significant because it influenced the ratification of the 13th amendment; the 13th amendment is a constitutional statement proclaiming that no form of involuntary servitude shall be present in any place of the United States, with the exception of punishment for wrongdoing.