What reasons dud Stephen Douglas have for supporting popular sovereignty?

Answer 1

Stephen Douglas supported popular sovereignty as a means to address the contentious issue of slavery's expansion into new territories. He believed it would allow settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery, thus reducing sectional conflict. Additionally, he saw it as a way to promote democracy and self-determination, aligning with the principles of American governance. Douglas also hoped that this approach would facilitate the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and help further his political ambitions.