Two years later, Congress passed a law granting the federal government immense national power. One would have expected outrage from southern states'-rights advocates; in fact they urged its passage. The law in question was the fugitive slave law. It required federal marshals and deputies to help slaveowners capture their "property" and fined them $1,000 if they refused. It imposed strict penalties on anyone, in any state, who harboured an escaped slave or obstructed his capture. Naturally, it was biased in favour of claimants.
Disturbing polls: Small government, then and now | The Economist
Added on 2011-04-11 09:11:32
by factor
Added on 2011-04-11 09:11:32
by factor