Congressional Debate on the Missouri Disaster (1819-1821): Constitutional Implications

The admission of Missouri to the Union shortly grew to become a constitutional disaster of the primary order, inciting an intensive reexamination of the U.S. Structure by the U.S. Congress. The guts of the query in want of decision was whether or not that physique possessed the authority to put situations on a territory—on this occasion Missouri—relating to restrictions on slavery—earlier than its admittance to the Union.

The legislators faced a significant challenge regarding Congress's authority over slavery within the boundaries set by the Constitution. This issue, famously known as the Missouri Crisis, tested the young republic and threatened its unity four decades later. This timely collection of essays explores the historical and constitutional intersections, attracting readers interested in history, law, and politics, especially those connected to Missouri.

Contributing Authors:

William S. Belko

Christopher Childers

John Eastman

Brook Poston

John R. Van Atta