In 1860 President James Buchanan asserted that?

In 1860, President James Buchanan asserted that the federal government did not have the authority to prevent states from seceding from the Union. He believed that the Constitution did not grant the federal government the power to coerce states into remaining part of the nation. His stance reflected his commitment to states' rights and contributed to the growing tensions leading up to the Civil War. This position ultimately drew criticism and was seen as a failure to address the escalating crisis over slavery and secession.