What does Douglas argue about the status of slavery in his home state Illinois and what does he conclude about about the role of congress in regulating slavery in the federal territories?

Stephen A. Douglas argued that slavery was effectively prohibited in Illinois due to the state's constitution and prevailing public sentiment against it. He concluded that Congress should not impose restrictions on slavery in federal territories, advocating instead for popular sovereignty, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide the legality of slavery themselves. Douglas believed this approach would promote democracy and reduce sectional tensions over the issue.