Lead: One hundred and fifty years ago the Republic was facing its greatest crisis. This continuing series examines the American Civil War. It is "A House Divided." Intro.: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts. Content: Was secession constitutional? That was a major issue as the South departed in 1861. The Constitution, historical reality, and events in the next four years, proved that it was not. Whereas the states have retained a rich source of alternative initiatives, experimentation, governmental creativity and efficiency, at each stage of the nation’s development, when states have asserted their ability to abridge Federal power, Federal sovereignty prevailed. Download Share
