[OIFVeteran]

Hogwash. The passage of the 16th Amendment in 1909 (which was strongly supported by the democrats in the south) and the Wickard vs Filburn decision by the Supreme Court in 1942 did more to expand the federal government powers than anything Lincoln did.

[DiogenesLamp]

Abortion and "Gay" marriage would not exist under the Federal framework prior to 1861. The States had the right to make and pass such laws as they deemed fit. It was the "incorporation doctrine" of the 14th amendment that gave the courts so much power to make things up.

And prayer in public schools? It is my recollection that the last official state religion was not rescinded until 1835 or so, meaning it was acknowledged by all and sundry that states had a right to official state religions if the people wanted them.