LAD #14 Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Summary of Lincoln's First Inaugural Address:

Lincoln states that he does not believe in discussing matters that are not of pressing concern to the nation in his public address, and he immediately starts discussing the issue of slavery. He claims that it is not his intention to interfere with Southern slavery; that it is a right of the states which he has no right to interfere in, and that no States within the Union will be favored in regards to Constitutional protection over any others. Further, he claims that the return of fugitive slaves is written in the original Constitution, and thus that the Fugitive Slave law will be enforced. He pleads for States to abide by existing laws instead of reputing them in the hope that they will be examined and found unconstitutional.

Further, Lincoln is aware that he is entering the Presidency at a difficult time, with the threat if disunion perpetually growing.  However, he believes that disunion by any one state from the union undermines the Constitution and the laws of the Union, and it is Lincoln's intention to execute the established laws to the best degree possible, as is his assigned job for his post. Ultimately though, it is the peoples' right to decide the fate of the country. Furthermore, he does not intend to use force against any portion of the nation.

Lincoln claims that never have Constitutional rights been openly denied to people of America. Also, if the minority secedes from the majority if the States, as they threaten to do, who is to say that the resulting body will not continually secede from the greater body every time the minority does not get its way? The idea of secession is essentially anarchy. In addition, a secession may separate the government of the United States and the independent body, but it is impossible for the independent body to physically move away from the mainland United States.

Although he does not advocate it, the people have the right to amend the Constitution. He even acknowledges that they have the right to revolutionarily overthrow the government. However, he generates his power from the people, and it is his task to uphold the present government. Finally, he encourages the people to carefully of their decisions, and it is ultimately in their hands whether or not to go to civil war. And Lincoln promises that he will preserve, protect, and defend the nation.