The Unconstitutionality of Slavery facts for kids
The Unconstitutionality of Slavery (1845) was an important book by an American abolitionist named Lysander Spooner. An abolitionist was someone who wanted to end slavery. In his book, Spooner argued that the United States Constitution actually made slavery illegal.
This idea was different from what another famous abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison, believed. Garrison thought the Constitution supported slavery and should be opposed. Spooner, however, used the Constitution itself to argue against slavery.
In his book, Spooner explained several key points:
- He said that none of the governments in the slave states (states where slavery was allowed) had officially given permission for slavery.
- He pointed out parts of the U.S. Constitution that seemed to go against slavery.
- He argued that slavery was wrong because it went against something called natural law, which are basic rights everyone has.
- He also believed that what the people who wrote the Constitution intended didn't matter as much as what the words in the document actually said.
So, Spooner looked closely at the words in the Constitution to find their true meaning, rather than trying to guess what the writers might have meant.
Contents
What Was the Book About?
Lysander Spooner's book, The Unconstitutionality of Slavery, was published in 1845. It was a powerful argument against slavery in the United States. At the time, slavery was a huge issue, and many people disagreed about whether it was allowed by the country's laws.
Why Did Spooner Write It?
Spooner wrote his book to convince people that slavery was not legal under the United States Constitution. He believed that if people understood this, it would help end slavery. He wanted to show that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, did not support owning other people.
Spooner's Main Arguments
Spooner used several strong points to make his case:
- No State Laws for Slavery: He argued that no state government had ever passed a law that clearly and officially allowed slavery. He said that slavery existed because of customs and traditions, not because of proper laws.
- The Constitution Against Slavery: Spooner found parts of the Constitution that he believed made slavery illegal. For example, he pointed to clauses that talked about liberty and justice for all.
- Natural Law and Rights: He also said that slavery went against natural law. Natural law means that all people are born with certain rights, like the right to be free, and no government can take those away.
- Words Matter More Than Intentions: Spooner believed that the exact words written in the Constitution were more important than what the people who wrote it might have secretly thought or intended. He argued that if the words didn't clearly allow slavery, then it wasn't legal.
How Was Spooner's View Different?
Many people, including some abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, thought the Constitution was a pro-slavery document. They believed it protected slavery and therefore should be changed or even ignored. Spooner's view was different because he argued that the Constitution, as it was written, actually opposed slavery. He thought it was a tool that could be used to fight against it.
Understanding Original Meaning
Spooner's approach is often called "original meaning" or "textualism." This means looking at what the words of a document meant when they were written, rather than trying to guess the private thoughts or goals of the people who wrote it. He believed the Constitution's words, when read carefully, showed that slavery was not allowed.
Who Was Lysander Spooner?
Lysander Spooner (1808–1887) was an American lawyer, writer, and abolitionist. He was a strong believer in individual liberty and justice. Besides his work against slavery, he also wrote about other topics like government power and banking. His ideas were very influential in the fight for freedom and equality.
See also
