What are the social (slavery) and political (states' rights) problems facing the nation? would going to war solve either issue; why or why not? would compromise solve either issue; why or why not? what is the best solution of the two?

This problem started when the nation was born, because the founding fathers passed on dealing with the Slavery Issue in order to bring about independence 

The leaders of the country kept punting the problem down the field (much like they are doing today with the economy) and through a series of compromises it held until 1850 and California entered the union as a non slave state (which was against the compromise) that sent the ball rolling to and it's inevitable conclusion. Dissoultion. 

It all depends on the individual