Popular sovereignty: This term refers to the principle that allows residents of a territory to decide for themselves whether or not to permit slavery within their borders.
Kansas-Nebraska Act: The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed in 1854 and replaced the restrictions of the Missouri Compromise with popular sovereignty, allowing residents of these territories to decide on the issue of slavery.
Sectionalism: Sectionalism refers to loyalty or support for one's own region or section of the country over national interests. It played a significant role during debates about slavery leading up to the Civil War.