Early nineteenth century politicians avoided any public discussions about the issue of slavery owing mainly to the fact that an issue like slavery could cause a national disorder if two sections of the nation had an argument about it. They preferred to remain silent on the issue of slavery, and did not bring it up as a means of gaining favour from the black population. During the 1848 presidential elections in the United states, both the Democrats and the other party did not involve themselves in any discussions related to or concerning slavery. This was a way of maintain national unity.
Judicial review refers to the power of checks and balances - the Supreme Court can review the constitutionality of the executive and legislative branches of the government.
The muckrakers were reform-minded journalists in the Progressive Era in the United States (1890s–1920s) who exposed established institutions and leaders as corrupt. They typically had large audiences in popular magazines.
