Civilian control of the military is an important component of Republican government. Civilian control means that military leaders are subordinate to political leaders. The Commander in Chief of the military is the President, a political leader. He is responsible for making the final decisions regarding whether or not the military should engage in conflict. This is a safeguard in a democratic society and prevents the military from using its power to assert political control. The disadvantages are few to none. This system of subordination has worked well in the United States. The President also has the right to suspend habeas corpus and broad powers to ensure law and order in the case of an emergency,
After the 1858 midterm election, Stephen Douglas kept his Senate seat, but Abraham Lincoln won national acclaim. Republicans took control of the House and swept northern gubernatorial races, but Democrats maintained a majority in the Senate.
