Question

why were southerners pleased with the dred scott decision?
a. it allowed for congress to limit the spread of slavery.
b. it allowed for the spread of slavery in all u.s. territories.
c. it took away the southern states power over the supreme court.
d. it took away congressional power to limit slavery.

Explanation:

The Dred Scott decision stated that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in federal territories. Southerners, who supported slavery, would be pleased as this took away congressional power to limit slavery. Option A is incorrect as it's the opposite (the decision restricted Congress's power to limit slavery). Option B is wrong as the decision didn't "allow" spread in the sense of enabling new laws for spread but rather removed a barrier (Congress's power to restrict). Option C is incorrect as the decision didn't take away southern states' power over the Supreme Court.

Answer:

D. It took away congressional power to limit slavery.