USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Lincoln believed that American democracy meant equal rights and equality of opportunity. But he drew a line between basic natural rights such as freedom from slavery and political and civil rights like voting. He believed it was up to the states to decide who should exercise these rights.

Detailed explanation-2: -He promised he would not initiate force to maintain the Union or interfere with slavery in the states in which it already existed.

Detailed explanation-3: -“I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves it should be first those who desire it for themselves, and secondly, those who desire it for others.

Detailed explanation-4: -Though he had always hated slavery, President Lincoln did not believe the Constitution gave him the authority to bring it to an end-until it became necessary to free the slaves in order to save the Union.