Question

In the debate over the Wilmot Proviso, why did Senator John C. Calhoun contend that Congress did not have the authority to ban slavery in the territories?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

In the debate over the Wilmot Proviso, Senator John C. Calhoun could contend that Congress did not have the authority to ban slavery in the territories because according to the Constitution of the United States, Congress could not deprive any state of equal rights in the territories.