Question

Describe the decision made in the Dred Scott vs Sandford Supreme Court case and its effect on the U.S. during the antebellum era.

Answer 1

In Dred Scott v. Sandford (argued 1856 -- decided 1857), the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent whether free or slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. The Court also ruled that Congress lacked power to ban slavery in the U.S. territories.