In what year did the Supreme Court make its ruling in the Dred Scott case?

Study for the AP Government and Politics Federalism Test. Analyze questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our resources!

The Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott case in 1857. This landmark decision held that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. Additionally, the ruling declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, which had attempted to regulate slavery in the territories. This decision intensified national divisions over slavery and contributed significantly to tensions that eventually led to the Civil War. 1857 is a pivotal year in this context as it not only highlights the attitudes toward slavery and citizenship at the time but also represents a critical turning point in American legal and political history.

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