urbanization. In 1843, Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Illinois' 7th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives; he was defeated by John J. Hardin though he prevailed with the party in limiting Hardin to one term. Lincoln not only pulled off his strategy of gaining the nomination in 1846 but also won the election. He was the only Whig in the Illinois delegation, but as dutiful as any participated in almost all votes and made speeches that toed the party line. He was assigned to the Committee on Post Office and Post Roads and the Committee on Expenditures in the War Department. Lincoln teamed with Joshua R. Giddings on a bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia with compensation for the owners, enforcement to capture fugitive slaves, and a popular vote on the matter. He dropped the bill when it eluded Whig support. Political views On foreign and military policy, Lincoln spoke against the Mexican–American War, which he imputed to President James K. Polk's desire for "military glory—that attractive rainbow, that rises in showers of blood". He supported the Wilmot Proviso, a failed proposal to ban slavery in any U.S. territory won from Mexico. Lincoln emphasized his opposition to Polk by drafting and introducing his Spot Resolutions. The war had begun with a Mexican slaughter of American soldiers in territory disputed by Mexico, and Polk insisted that Mexican soldiers had "invaded our territory and shed the blood of our fellow-citizens on our own soil." Lincoln demanded that Polk show Congress the exact spot on which blood had been shed and prove that the spot was on American soil. The resolution was ignored in both Congress and the national papers, and it cost Lincoln political support in his district. One Illinois newspaper derisively nicknamed him "spotty Lincoln". Lincoln later regretted some of his statements, especially his attack on presidential war-making powers. Lincoln had pledged in 1846 to serve only one term in the House. Realizing Clay was unlikely to win the presidency, he supported General Zachary Taylor for the Whig nomination in the 1848 presidential election. Taylor won and Lincoln hoped in vain to be appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office. The administration offered to appoint him secretary or governor of the Oregon Territory as consolation. This distant territory was a Democratic stronghold, and acceptance of the post would have disrupted his legal and political career
{
        'QUESTION: Who did Lincoln seek the Whig nomination for?' : 'Answer: Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Illinois\' 7th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.',
        'QUESTION: What happened during Lincoln\'s first attempt at seeking the Whig nomination?' : 'Answer: During his first attempt, Lincoln was defeated by John J. Hardin, however, he managed to gain the support of the party and limited Hardin to just one term.',
        'QUESTION: How successful was Lincoln in getting nominated after his initial defeat?' : 'Answer: After his initial defeat, Lincoln successfully gained the nomination in 1846 and went on to win the election.',
        'QUESTION: Which committees was Lincoln assigned to in the House of Representatives?' : 'Answer: Lincoln was assigned to the Committees on Post Office and Post Roads and the Committee on Expenditures in the War Department.',
        'QUESTION: Can you tell me more about Lincoln\'s efforts towards abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia?' : 'Answer: Lincoln worked alongside Joshua R. Giddings on a bill aimed at abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. However, the bill was abandoned due to lack of Whig support.',
        'QUESTION: What were Lincoln\'s views regarding the Mexican-American War?' : 'Answer: Lincoln opposed the Mexican-American War, stating that it stemmed from President James K. Polk\'s pursuit of "military glory".',
        'QUESTION: Explain what the Spot Resolutions were.' : 'Answer: The Spot Resolutions were a set of resolutions introduced by Lincoln that called for proof of the location where American soldiers were killed on American soil by Mexican forces, thereby questioning the legitimacy of the conflict.',
        'QUESTION: Why did Lincoln decide to run for only one term in the House?' : 'Answer: Lincoln had initially promised to serve only one term in the House, and he stuck to his promise.',
        'QUESTION: Who did Lincoln support for the Whig nomination in the 1848 presidential election?' : 'Answer: Lincoln supported General Zachary Taylor for the Whig nomination in the 1848 presidential election.',
        'QUESTION: What position was offered to Lincoln by the administration following Taylor\'s victory?' : 'Answer: Following Taylor\'s victory, the administration offered Lincoln positions such as secretary or governor of the Oregon Territory.',
    }
    return q_a_dict
}