In 1856, the Republican national platform was a projection of
the party's roots. The party had been formed when the Whig Party
had folded. The platform reflected the beliefs of anti slavery
Democrats, former Whigs, and the so called northern Know Nothings.
The key component of the platform demanded the exclusion of slavery
in the territories, and the admission of Kansas as a free State.
For some reason, the Republicans did not push for the end of
slavery in Washington DC.Republicans also campaigned against the
polygamy of the Mormons.