1.    Douglas (the doughface) was caught between Northern and Southern Democratic
        interests.  How do the planks of the Douglas faction platform of 1860 attempt to
        balance North and South Democratic supporters?

2.    What are the similarities and/or differences between the two inaugural addresses?
        Are the tone and content of the addresses surprising, given the rhetoric apparent
        in the sectional editorials leading up to that point?   How do you account for the
        tone of the addresses?

3.    How can each side (North and South) claim to adhere to the Constitution and yet
        come to such diametrically opposed positions apparent in the speeches and platforms?

4.    What were the issues which moved Georgia to secede from the Union?  What were the
        issues which moved South Carolina to secede from the Union?  Are there any points
        on which Georgia and South Carolina agree?  Are there any notable differences
        between the two?

5.    What role does slavery play in the political and secessional deliberations?  If it does
        play a role, in what form or at what level is it a factor?