Why did southerners feel that the federal government was not protecting their interests?

Southerners felt that the federal government was not protecting their interests primarily due to its stance on issues like slavery and states' rights. They believed that federal regulations and policies, particularly those favoring abolitionism and limiting the expansion of slavery, threatened their economic and social systems. Additionally, the growing influence of northern states in Congress led to fears that their voices and needs were being marginalized. This perception fueled a sense of alienation and ultimately contributed to the desire for secession.