Before tackling the slavery issue, one must understand Lincoln's political views with respect to the Constitution, which was the cause for Lincoln's idea of a gradual extinction of constitution and not an immediate emancipation, which separated him from abolitionists, and explained why he was a part of the more moderate Whig Party. ... The slaves do not vote; they are only counted and so used, as to swell the influence of the white people's voted there is not instance of exact equality and the disadvantage is against us the whole chapter through" (Peoria Speech, 1854). ...

• Word Count: 2007
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Graduate