American history; slavery in the united states between 1776 and 1860

Midterm Exam Prompt:

Discuss the perpetuation and expansion of black slavery in the United States between 1776 and 1860. In other words, what events and situations caused and/or allowed the institution of slavery to continue to exist and spread as the United States population grew and pushed westward.

Midterm Exam Guidelines: For full credit, answers must be written at a college level and in your own words. Do not simply copy the textbook. Be sure to answer the question completely. The response to each midterm exam prompt needs to be no less than 750 words in length or about 3 pages in 12 point font, double spaced with 1 inch margins.  Students should be sure their name is typewritten at the top corner of the assignment.