The Compromise of 1850 was a settlement on a series of issues that undermined the unity of the states. The main issue to be resolved was the institution of slavery, which caused much discord between the North and South. Other issues to be discussed were territorial issues and the prevention of southern secession. Henry Clay stepped forward to present a compromise, which led Congress into an eight-month discussion known as the "Great Debate." This proposal aroused strong opposition. One person openly opposed to the proposal was John C Calhoun. Calhoun was an intellectual Southern politician, political philosopher, and advocate of protecting Southern interests. He was an advocate of states' rights and limited government. He was also an advocate of slavery, defending the act of slavery and promoting it as a favorable position. He believed that states had the right to overturn federal laws that could be considered constitutional. In his speech, in direct response to Clay's compromise measures, Calhoun warned the Senate that it must take action to ensure that southerners could remain in the union and to protect their honor and security. His argument was that its preservation depended on the recognition of the rights guaranteed to the States by the Constitution, and that the aggression of one section could only result in disruption and equality. His position was that by restoring sectoral balance the union could be saved. On the other hand, Daniel Webster was a supporter of the proposal. Webster was a 19th-century lawyer, a leading American statesman, an influential Whig leader, and one of the great orators in American history. Compromise and reconciliation to preserve the union between the North and South was his most important message...... middle of paper ...... Even though Webster was opposed to slavery, he was willing to give in to southern demands to preserve slavery. union; Seward was unwilling to compromise on his stance against the morality of slavery and disobedience to the law of our creator. Incidentally, Calhoun, Webster, and Seward have all served as legislators, senators, or congressmen, in the executive branches of government. Both Seward and Webster were members of the Whig Party, while Calhoun was a member of the Republican Party. In conclusion, although the Compromise of 1850 achieved its goal of maintaining the unity of the nation, it was only a temporary measure. America, particularly the North and South, remained divided over the next decade, primarily due to the lingering issue of slavery. The division grew so wide that the nation was on the verge of splitting. This led to the inevitable American Civil War.