The Text's Authors Observe That During the Debate in 1850

question 61

Essay

The text's authors observe that during the debate in 1850 on slavery and newly acquired territories from the Mexican War, John C. Calhoun, hoping to save the Union, proposed "an utterly unworkable scheme of electing two presidents, one from the North and one from the South, each wielding a veto." Explain why such an arrangement would have been "utterly unworkable," particularly in light of the contemporary political conflict over slavery, its westward territorial expansion, the strong political support for slavery's indefinite legal perpetuation in the South, and the fierce debate in the country overall concerning foreign policy issues related to Manifest Destiny.

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Definitions:

Negotiable Instrument

An official document certifying the payment of a particular sum of cash, either to be paid on demand or at an agreed-upon time, with the payer's name mentioned in the document.

Good Faith

The honest intention to act without taking an unfair advantage over another party, typically implied in agreements and transactions to ensure fairness and integrity.

Defects

Imperfections or faults in a product or structure that may affect its usability, safety, or function.

Negotiable Instruments

Financial documents that guarantee the payment of a specific amount of money, either on demand or at a set time.