What was a major criticism of America's position on slavery voiced by abolitionists?

A major criticism of America's position on slavery voiced by abolitionists was that it violated constitutional principles. Abolitionists believed that slavery was fundamentally opposed to the ideals of liberty and equality that were central to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They argued that the founding documents of the United States championed the rights of individuals and established a government based on the consent of the governed. Therefore, allowing the institution of slavery to persist directly contradicted these foundational principles.

Abolitionists highlighted that the Constitution, while containing compromises that indirectly acknowledged slavery, should inspire a commitment to justice and human rights for all individuals. This stance positioned their cause as one rooted in a moral imperative to align the nation’s practices with its declared values of freedom and human dignity.