Was President Lincoln's use of presidential and congressional powers justified, or is he the most glorified tyrant in American History? In 1860, tensions between the north and south were becoming more visibly strained. Social, economic, and political differences caused many in the south to want to secede, rather than to sacrifice their way of life. Their fears came to a head when Republican President Lincoln was elected president. His promise that no new territories would be …showed first 75 words of 503 total…

…showed last 75 words of 503 total…not in session Lincoln was justified, but he could have acted in a more diplomatic fashion, instead of acting superior to the other branches of government. Lincoln does not literally fail to protect the Constitution, but on the letter of the law. The harsh, quick decision to ignore the Supreme Court and take one of Congress' powers is not the best one he could have made, but it could be reasonably justifiable given the circumstances.