2. States' Rights: Southerners were ardent defenders of states' rights. They believed that individual states had the right to make their own laws and govern themselves as they saw fit, without interference from the federal government. They saw federal intervention in matters such as slavery as a violation of their sovereignty and a threat to their autonomy.
3. Political Representation: Southerners were concerned about their political power and representation in the federal government. They felt that their interests and concerns were not adequately represented and that they were often overshadowed by the larger population and political influence of the Northern states.
4. Economic Inequality: Many Southerners were concerned about the growing economic disparity between the North and the South. They felt that the North was benefiting disproportionately from industrialization and economic development while the South was lagging behind. They feared that this inequality would further weaken their political power and economic security.
5. Fear of Northern Dominance: Southerners had a deep-seated fear of Northern domination. They believed that Northern states were bent on imposing their values and institutions on the South and were determined to undermine or even abolish slavery. This fear fueled Southern resistance to any form of federal power or control.