The Dred Scott vs. Sandford case could effect the presidential campaign of 1860 because candidates would have to know address whether or not slavery would be allowed in Northern states. Since this case stated that slaves are property and can be brought into free territories, this greatly effects the Northern states who already outlawed slavery. Based on the Supreme Court ruling, the states would have to abide by this law. Now, presidential candidates must answer the question of whether or not they will allow slavery to exist in all states in the US.
They were important because they were not controlled by the government or the church. Therefore they were free to explore in scientific experiments as much as they wanted without these controls.
