In what ways did the Constitution struggle to settle the conflicts over federal and state power prior to the Civil War? Examples could include the Mormon expulsion from Missouri, the rise of political parties over constitutional issues, and the sectional conflict over slavery. What issues continue to be debated today?
The United States encountered many difficulties prior to the Civil War. As the years went through, it was clear that the Constitution’s laws would not solve many of the issues left on the decisions of the heads of the state. Constitutional amendments were subjected to free interpretation and manipulation and several difficulties remained to be solved, making the threat of a war real and imminent. The Civil War of 1861 became, in fact, a terrible reality, due to religious issues and sectional power struggles.
A constitutional crisis occurred when Jefferson, well known to be a strict constitutionalist, decided to obtain, from the French, the …show more content…
The state attorney general condemned the non-Mormons for illegality and recommended the Saints to seek legality and protection under the laws of the Constitution, by petitioning the circuit judge. The Church leaders recommended the saints to protect themselves with weapons to preserve their families and hired some lawyers to defend their rights. Unluckily, such behavior was interpreted by Missourians as a violation of the contract Mormons had signed to leave. Soon, an attack by a mob was planned on the Whitmer settlement that left ten houses completely destroyed. Violence and persecutions became so intolerant to finally call for a mediator. Lilburn W. Boggs, lieutenant governor of the state, became the mediator between the opposing groups and persuaded the Saints to capitulate and leave within ten days. Mormons were evacuated by force and settled in another Missouri