Douglas argued that slavery was a dying institution that had reached its natural limits and could not thrive where climate and soil were inhospitable. He asserted that the problem of slavery could best be resolved if it were treated as essentially a local problem
The Democratic Republicans had very strict rules and obliging by the Constitution, the Federalists view of the Constitution was loose and is interpretation elastic clause
How did servitude differ from slavery? Why did the laws get more complicated over time?
Servitude was different from slavery in that it was a form of bondage, meaning there was an agreement on a period of unpaid labor that usually paid off the costs of the servant’s immigration to America. The servants were not paid wages but they were generally housed, clothed, and fed.
The servants themselves were not considered property and were free upon the end of their indenture (usually a period of five to seven years).
In slavery, they were considered property of their masters. They are not given freedom and they are considered property as long as they live. No rights at all.
Discovering the American Past: From English Servants to African Slaves: Creating Racial Slavery in Colonial Virginia
In the early years of the colony, many Africans and poor whites -- most of the laborers came from the English working class -- were the same. Black and white women worked side-by-side in the fields. Black and white men who broke their servant contract were equally punished.
