Which constitutional principle was the main

focus of the North-South conflicts that led to the

Civil War?

(1) States rights

(2) due process of law

(3) separation of powers

(4) presidential veto power

The correct answer is 1) States rights.

During the Antebellum period, the Northern and Southern states constantly fought over the issue of states rights. Southerners argued that the federal government was overreaching in their power. An example of this was the creation of laws that dealt with the extension of slavery into new territories gained in the United States. This included laws like the Missouri Compromise, the Compromis of 1850, etc.