Why did Democratic presidential candidate Lewis Cass propose the idea of squatter sovereignty in 1848?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cass proposed the idea of squatter sovereignty in 1848 in order to maintain the unity of the Democratic Party, which was divided over the question of whether or not to allow slavery in new territories. Squatter sovereignty essentially meant that the settlers in a given territory would decide whether or not to allow slavery, rather than it being decided at the federal level. Cass hoped that this compromise position would bring Northern and Southern Democrats back together and allow them to win the presidency.

Why Did Democratic Presidential Candidate Lewis Cass Propose the Idea