Isabella Carter
Abraham Lincoln's presidency was marked by a focus on preserving the Union and upholding the US Constitution. Lincoln's actions during the Civil War, such as suspending the writ of habeas corpus, set precedents that continue to shape constitutional interpretation. Lincoln believed in the Union as a real government and worked to prevent secession, even as he navigated the complex issue of slavery, which was not explicitly addressed by the Constitution. Lincoln's commitment to the Constitution is evident in his statements, such as his understanding of his oath to preserve, protect, and defend it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lincoln's opinion on the constitution | Lincoln believed that the federal constitution was a real government, not a mere compact or league of sovereign states. |
| Lincoln's oath | Lincoln said, "I could not take the office without taking the oath. Nor was it my view that I might take an oath to get power, and break the oath in using the power." |
| Lincoln's actions contradicting the constitution | Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus during the Civil War, which was deemed an unconstitutional act. |
| Lincoln's actions in accordance with the constitution | Lincoln supported the Thirteenth Amendment, which guaranteed the end of slavery. |
| Lincoln's view on the Union | Lincoln believed that the Union was perpetual and that it was not broken despite the secession of some states. |
| Lincoln's justification for his actions | Lincoln argued that the power to preserve the rule of law in a time of crisis rested with the person of the chief executive, and that his actions were necessary to preserve the nation. |
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What You'll Learn
Lincoln's interpretation of the US Constitution
Abraham Lincoln's interpretation of the US Constitution was influenced by his belief in liberty and equality for all. Lincoln saw the Constitution as a means to secure the equal rights of all men and women, which he referred to as the "apple of gold". In his view, the Constitution and the Union existed for the sake of a higher principle, which he called "Liberty to all".
Lincoln's interpretation of the Constitution was also shaped by his belief that it formed a real government, rather than a compact or league of sovereign states. He argued that the federal government was created to secure the rights of all individuals, not just those of free, sovereign, and independent states. This interpretation clashed with that of South Carolina and other slaveholding states, which seceded from the Union during Lincoln's presidency. These states interpreted equality and the Constitution as guaranteeing the equal rights of states, rather than individuals.
Lincoln's commitment to liberty and equality for all is evident in his promotion of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, and his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in the states "in rebellion" to be free. Lincoln also supported the Corwin Amendment, which would have protected slavery in states where it already existed, but only until those states abolished slavery.
Lincoln's interpretation of the Constitution was not without controversy. In April 1861, he unilaterally suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland, along the route between Philadelphia and the District of Columbia, due to concerns about Southern sympathizers threatening military supply lines. This decision was deemed unconstitutional by Chief Justice Roger Taney, who argued that the president did not have the authority to suspend the writ. Lincoln's response revealed his belief that the power to preserve the rule of law during a time of crisis rested with the person of the chief executive, in this case, himself. He argued that the president's duty was to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, even if it meant disregarding a single law to do so.
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Lincoln's message to Congress, July 1861
In his message to Congress on July 4, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln addressed the issue of secession and the outbreak of hostilities, emphasising the importance of victory and defining the conflict as a war against an insurgency, not a rival nation. Lincoln's message marked his first full explanation of the purpose of the war and sought to validate his previous actions without Congressional approval.
Lincoln began by acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the occasion, as authorised by the Constitution, and emphasised that the attention of Congress was directed towards an extraordinary subject:
> "At the beginning of the present Presidential term, four months ago, the functions of the Federal Government were found to be generally suspended within the several States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida, excepting only those of the Post-Office Department."
Lincoln asserted that secession was unconstitutional and that the Union of States was perpetual. He argued that no state could lawfully leave the Union on its own accord and that any attempts to do so were legally void. He characterised the Confederacy as a violent insurrection:
> "Secession is unconstitutional. I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. [...] Secession equals anarchy; if any part of a nation can leave whenever it wants (e.g., after it loses an election), no nation can survive."
Lincoln also addressed the suspension of habeas corpus, acknowledging that its legality and propriety had been questioned. He defended his actions by citing the duty to authorise the Commanding General to suspend the privilege in certain cases, according to his discretion:
> "Soon after the first call for militia it was considered a duty to authorize the Commanding General in proper cases, according to his discretion, to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, or, in other words, to arrest and detain without resort to the ordinary processes and forms of law such individuals as he might deem dangerous to the public safety."
Lincoln expressed his hope that Congress would share his views and take action to restore the rights of faithful citizens under the Constitution and the laws. He concluded by emphasising the importance of acting without fear and with a pure purpose:
> "He sincerely hopes that your views and your action may so accord with his as to assure all faithful citizens who have been disturbed in their rights of a certain and speedy restoration to them under the Constitution and the laws. And having thus chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear and with manly hearts."
Lincoln's message to Congress on July 4, 1861, set the tone for his presidency and the conflict to come, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and upholding the Constitution.
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Lincoln's views on emancipation
Abraham Lincoln personally abhorred slavery, but he felt confined by his constitutional authority as president to challenge slavery only in the context of necessary war measures. He also worried about the reactions of those in the loyal border states where slavery was still legal. Lincoln is said to have summed up the importance of keeping the border states in the Union by saying, "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky."
Lincoln's administration approved of Union General Benjamin F. Butler's action of appropriating fugitive slaves and their labour as "contraband of war". This incident, along with the increasing number of fugitive slaves, eventually prompted action by the United States Congress. On August 6, 1861, Congress passed the First Confiscation Act, which negated owners' claims to escaped slaves whose labour had been used on behalf of the Confederacy. In 1862, Congress also acted against slavery in areas under federal government jurisdiction, abolishing slavery in the federal District of Columbia with a compensated emancipation program.
Lincoln continued to urge the border slave states to explore legal emancipation measures and remained hopeful that voluntary colonisation options for former slaves would address the concerns of many white Americans about where emancipated slaves would go. However, most former slaves had no interest in leaving their homeland, and attempts at colonisation during the Civil War failed. Lincoln felt that broader public support for emancipation as a military act was necessary before taking executive action.
On July 17, 1862, two pieces of congressional legislation were passed, providing the signal Lincoln had been waiting for. The Second Confiscation Act included provisions that freed the slaves of disloyal owners, authorised the president to employ African Americans in the suppression of the rebellion, and called for exploring voluntary colonisation efforts. The Militia Act authorised the employment of African Americans in the military, emancipated those who were enslaved, and freed their families if they were owned by those disloyal to the Union.
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Lincoln's stance on secession
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, took a strong stance against secession during the tumultuous break-up of the nation in 1860. Lincoln believed that secession would destroy the only existing democracy and set a dangerous precedent, proving that a government of the people could not survive. He argued that the United States was a constitutional republic or democracy—a government of the people by the same people—and questioned whether such a government could maintain its territorial integrity against domestic foes. Lincoln saw secession as a threat to the very fabric of the Union and was determined to preserve the Union and uphold the Constitution.
Lincoln's concerns about secession were heightened by the issue of slavery, which was at the heart of the divide between the North and the South. South Carolina, angered by the election of an anti-slavery president, defiantly declared its departure from the Union in December 1860, with six more states following suit a month later. By June 1861, a total of 11 southern states had seceded. Lincoln vehemently refuted the secessionists' claims that they had a constitutional right to leave the Union. He understood that the dissolution of the United States would be celebrated by monarchists and those opposed to democracy.
In his July 4, 1861, message to Congress, Lincoln addressed the issue of secession and the preservation of the Union. He emphasised the extraordinary nature of the occasion and the threat posed to the Federal Government by the secessionist states. Lincoln questioned the very foundation of constitutional governance, asking if a government must be too strong for its people or too weak to maintain its existence. He also highlighted the danger of armed neutrality, where border states would arm themselves to prevent Union forces from passing through, effectively completing the disunion and providing aid to insurrectionists.
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Lincoln's understanding of equality
Abraham Lincoln's understanding of equality was shaped by his legal training and his belief in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln, a lawyer by profession, viewed the law as a tool to uphold equality and justice. He believed that all people are inherently equal and possessed natural rights that could not be taken away.
Lincoln's legal background influenced his approach to equality and emancipation. He understood that emancipation and equality were separate issues. While emancipation involved legally freeing slaves, equality entailed ensuring that formerly enslaved people could find their rightful place in white America, enjoying the same rights as their white counterparts. Lincoln recognised that equality was a more complex and elusive concept than emancipation, encompassing various dimensions such as property rights, voting rights, natural rights, and social rights.
Lincoln's commitment to equality was evident in his opposition to slavery. He saw slavery as a violation of the fundamental principle that "all men are created equal," as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln believed that this assertion was an enduring promise that should be applied to all people, regardless of race or background. He was disturbed by the hypocrisy of his fellow Americans, who selectively embraced this principle when it suited their interests. In his view, the Declaration's assertion of equality was the "electric cord" that united diverse Americans and provided a common purpose.
Lincoln's actions as President further demonstrated his commitment to equality. During the Civil War, he unilaterally suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland to protect military supply lines from Southern sympathisers. While this decision was controversial and tested the boundaries of presidential power, Lincoln believed that his primary duty was to preserve the Union and uphold the Constitution. He understood that exceptional circumstances sometimes required difficult choices to maintain the integrity of the nation and the ideals it stood for.
In conclusion, Lincoln's understanding of equality was shaped by his legal background and his deep reverence for the Declaration of Independence. He believed in the inherent equality of all people and worked towards ensuring that this equality was reflected in the legal and social fabric of the nation. Lincoln's legacy continues to inspire and challenge Americans to strive for a more just and equitable society.
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Frequently asked questions
Lincoln believed that the US Constitution existed to uphold the principle of liberty for all. He understood that the Constitution and the Union were the prerequisites for the nation's prosperity. However, he also acknowledged that extraordinary circumstances might necessitate measures that would otherwise be unconstitutional to preserve the nation and, by extension, the Constitution.
Yes, Lincoln unilaterally suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland in April 1861. He justified this action by citing the need to protect military supply lines from Southern sympathizers in the state. This decision set a precedent regarding the president's authority during times of crisis.
Initially, Lincoln stated that he would not interfere with slavery to maintain the support of slave states and Northern Democrats. However, events pushed him towards emancipation, and he eventually promoted a constitutional amendment to end slavery nationwide. He also supported Louisiana's adoption of a state constitution that abolished slavery and provided a school system for both whites and blacks.
