In 1856, a presidential election was held in the United States at a crucial time. Sectionalism was at its peak and a leader was needed to unify the country. However, the man who won the election did not turn out to be that leader. Instead, his agenda was based on a deliberate failure to lead. Due to James Buchanan's stance in favor of popular sovereignty in the expanding United States, the country became even more divided on the subject of slavery to the point that Civil War became inevitable. One of Buchanan's most significant failures came in the Dred Scott affair. Even though he had good intentions in how he wanted to handle this case, he did a terrible job. Phillip Auchampaugh describes this by stating, “His desire to remain at Court in this matter was but one illustration of his tireless attempts to avert the imminent ruin of the Republic” (Auchampaugh 240). This case was very important because the Democratic Party and the Union were divided on the issue of slavery in the territories. “Many conservatives felt that not only the continued existence of the party, but also the preservation of the Union depended on the outcome of the case” (Auchampaugh 233). Clearly, this matter was of extreme importance and it was vital that the decision taken maintain the unity of the country. However, Buchanan acted irresponsibly in this matter. He corresponded with Judge John Catron and Judge Robert Grier trying to find out when the decision in the case would be made (Auchampaugh 236). His goal was to discover whether the decision would come before or after his inauguration and, therefore, his inaugural address. As for the chief justice, "Buchanan categorically denied that he and Taney had...... middle of paper...... Works Cited Auchampaugh, Phillip. “James Buchanan, The Court and the Dred Scott Affair.” Tennessee Historical Magazine January 9.4 (1926): 231-40. JSTOR. Internet. May 14, 2014.Buchanan, James. “Fourth Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union.” Washington DC, December 3, 1860. The plan for the American presidency. Internet. May 18, 2014.Buchanan, James. “Inaugural Address.” Inauguration. Washington DC, March 4, 1857. The plan for the American presidency. Web.Cole, Allen F. "ASSERTING AUTHORITY: THE FAILURE OF JAMES BUCHANAN'S VINDICATION." Pennsylvania History Winter 70.1 (2003): 81-97. JSTOR. Internet. May 14, 2014. Smith, Elbert Benjamin. The Presidency of James Buchanan. Lawrence: UP of Kansas, 1975. Print.Weatherman, Donald V. “James Buchanan on Slavery and Secession.” Presidential Studies Quarterly Fall 15.4, Perspectives on the Presidency (1985): 796-805. JSTOR. Internet. May 14 2014.