What was a key issue during the election of 1860?

The election of 1860 was pivotal in American history, as it significantly reflected the growing tensions surrounding the issue of slavery and the potential for secession. The correct answer highlights the concerns about the threat of secession, which were very pronounced at that time. Southern states were alarmed by the increasing strength of the anti-slavery Republican Party and the prospect of Abraham Lincoln's election. They feared that his presidency would lead to the restriction or even abolition of slavery, prompting them to consider secession from the Union as a viable solution to protect their interests in maintaining the institution of slavery.

While the other options address important issues of the era, they did not dominate the political landscape in the same way that secession did during the election. For instance, while there were discussions about statehood for Kansas, and debates about abolition were ongoing, these issues were part of a larger context that ultimately revolved around the possibility of Southern states seceding if their rights (particularly regarding slavery) were threatened. The question of tax reform, though relevant in economic discussions, was not a central issue during the 1860 election compared to the looming crisis that secession represented.