[capitan_refugio]

It was a principle of American law that the legislature could bar slavery from any territory, before there was a Constitution. The Consitution spifically gave to Congress the power to regulate the territories. I don't see where it gave them that power, except in the case of slavery.

[Non-Sequitur]

It was a principle of American law that the legislature could bar slavery from any territory, before there was a Constitution.

It's amazing how quickly they toss 'states rights' out the window when it suits their agenda, isn't it?

[lentulusgracchus]

Your post was as clear as mud. Who is "them"?

Congress had the power to regulate the Territories. But not to exclude clauses of the BoR.