The 1860 election was unlike any other, coming down to four major candidates; Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen Douglas (Democrat), John Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). It was a very intense and stressful time in American history due to many major political changes occurring in a short period of time. As America evolved, the primary focus of this election was individual states' rights and slavery policies. By looking at Lincoln's presidential platform, we can see the promises he made and the problems he faced during this time. This is important because this was a national crisis, and in looking at this we can see Lincoln's leadership and ability to solve problems in his own country. Looking specifically at plank nine of the Lincoln deck; it explains how anyone in the United States is subject to freedom. By looking at this we are able to analyze what promises were made, why he made and kept them and how this relates to the central theme of a new world for all. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Before examining specific elements of Lincoln's platform, a sense of assurance, protection, or light oversight from the federal government emerged as a common theme among the candidates. . Each platform has indicated at some point that there is a sense of oath, support and guarantee of the curbs that will be implemented within the federal government. Each candidate, on his own payroll, also promised that the federal government would enforce the laws of the land – as the country was in a troubled state. Each candidate wanted to bring a sense of unity and confidence to each state - primarily targeting the white population, as some held radical views and ideologies on slavery law. During the 1860 election there was much unrest among some of the candidates. . Democrats were divided due to differing views on slavery. Typically, Democrats who were located more in the southern region had more of a hands-off style of government where they could essentially govern themselves. Northern Democrats wanted a unified federal government to oversee all political processes. The Constitutional Party sided with one side or the other on slavery, but was content to assure that it would follow traditional constitution-style government. The republics had the most unified basis and had a moderate belief on slavery. In Lincoln's program, the ninth plank states: "That we call the recent reopening of the African slave trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by the perversions of the judiciary, a crime against humanity and a burning shame for our country. country and age; and we call on Congress to take rapid and effective measures for the total and definitive suppression of this execrable traffic. "Most Northerners had a very moderate view of slavery, with many fighting to abolish it completely. This attitude was also reflected among politicians; by promising the people that if elected, he would restore the fundamental principles on which America was built Besides social justice and granting land, liberties and property rights to everyone in the country, it was also a brilliant political campaign for Lincoln had gained so much. confidence in his people that he.