Was it possible to save American democracy in 1860? What steps might have been taken to maintain unity? Why do you think these steps were not taken?

Democracy was not in unity, but the national independence of each state as a separate nation unto itself, which vested in the supreme power of the voters in each state having final Authority over it, while government was simply the hired help.

Lincoln had already threatened in 1856, that he would oppose secession with military force; and that's why the GOP lobbyists chose him to be president in 1860.

And why the South seceded in response.

The only way to save democracy, was to assert the historical fact that each state was a democratic Nation, and that any attempt by the federal government to invade any state, would be an act of Rogue imperialism.

However ever since Jackson's original nullification Proclamation, nobody officially countered this claim, and therefore it was able to corrupt official history for 28 years until Lincoln came to power.

Hope this helped! :)

answer; (religion)