The Election of 1860

PART A: What does Lincoln's metaphor "A house divided against itself cannot stand" mean as used in paragraph 3?

Lincoln thought that the United States would not last while divided on such a major issue as slavery.

PART B: What phrase from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

"In the decade leading up to the election, Americans witnessed rising tensions between northern and southern states, largely over states' rights and the future of slavery in America." ( Paragraph 1)

How does paragraph 2 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?

It provides background on the growing debate over states' rights to permit slavery.

Which statement best expresses the central idea in this text?

The Election of 1860 revealed the country's deep disagreements over its future that could no longer be ignored.