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Thomas Jefferson referred to the Missouri Compromise as a " fire bell in the night" because of the fact that he saw it as an extremely pressing matter. A fire bell in the night indicates there is an emergency and Jefferson saw the matter as an emergency.

Jefferson knew that the federal government in the person of the Congress was overstepping its constitutional rights by demanding that the State of Missouri - which had chosen to permit black slavery in that state - not be permitted into the Union or be permitted only if the State of Kansas (a free state) also be admitted to assure that the balance of power remained with the North. To Jefferson, this intrusion into the internal affairs of a sovereign state - Missouri - boded ill for the concept of states' rights. Remember, the first and strongest "check" to federal power was the power of the sovereign States to move against any unconstitutional efforts by the central government via such actions and nullification and secession. Without this power, the States would soon find themselves as politically impotent within the nation as counties are with States.

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Q: Why did Thomas Jefferson call the Missouri compromise a firebell in the night?
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Related questions

Who opposed the Missouri Compromise?

Thomas Jefferson


What statesmen was the most instrumental in The Missouri Compromise?

Thomas Jefferson started the Missouri Compromise


When did Thomas Jefferson write the Missouri Compromise?

Jefferson did not write the Missouri Compromise, but famously opposed it in a letter to John Holms on April 22, 1820. See link.


What was Thomas Jefferson's opinion of the Missouri Compromise and why did he hold that opinion?

Thomas Jefferson did not like the Missouri Compromise very much and he feared that it would lead to the destruction of the Union. He held this opinion, because the Missouri Compromise was trying to imprint more slavery and was also trying to balance it. This would obviously lead to a bad end.


What does Jefferson think will be the result of The Missouri Compromise?

The ageing Thomas Jefferson thought it was only a superficial solution, and that it would one day split the nation in two.


What is the capital of Missouri?

The capital of Missouri is Jefferson City. Jefferson City became the capital in 1821 and is named after President Thomas Jefferson.


How did Jefferson City get its name?

Jefferson City, Missouri was named after the 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. It was incorporated as a city in 1825.


The capital of Missouri is Jefferson City who was it named after?

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the U.S.


What sate capital is named in honor of Thomas Jefferson?

The state capital that is named in honor of Thomas Jefferson is Jefferson City.


Is Jefferson City named after Thomas Jefferson?

Yes, Jefferson City is named after President Thomas Jefferson. It was named in his honor when it became the capital of Missouri in 1821.


What is the capital of Missouri who is it named after?

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