Which justification for secession was used by Southern states?

Southern states primarily justified their secession by emphasizing states' rights as outlined in the Constitution. This argument stemmed from the belief that the federal government was overstepping its authority and infringing upon the autonomy of the states. Southern leaders contended that the Constitution granted individual states the right to govern themselves, including the ability to manage their own institutions, such as slavery, without federal interference.

The states' rights argument was deeply rooted in the ideology of limited government and the belief that states had the power to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. This perspective became particularly pronounced in the context of mounting tensions surrounding issues like slavery and the expansion of federal power. By framing secession as a defense of their rights and sovereignty, Southern leaders sought to legitimize their actions in the face of perceived encroachments on their way of life and governance.

Other options may touch upon relevant factors contributing to the secessionist sentiment, such as economic motivations or political tensions, but the core justification articulated by Southern states was firmly anchored in the concept of states' rights. This rationale reflected their broader commitment to the principle of self-governance and an aversion to what they viewed as federal overreach.