Stephen had spent almost all of his adult life in Illinois starting in 1833. After his teaching job, he founded the University of Chicago. In a few years he was elected for state legislature, Illinois Secretary of State, the Supreme Court, leader of the Democratic Party, and to the U.S. Senate. The most significant thing he did was being involved with political situations. Thanks to him doing that he was able to help with many issues. His most difficult accomplishment was the Kansas-Nebraska act, which allowed those states to be able to enter the Union without slavery.

            Douglas’ best accomplishment was being able to dominate the Senate in the 1850s. He was responsible for the Compromise of 1850 that supposedly solved the slave issues. Stephen divided it into two parts for the Northerners and Southerners. He developed a land grant system for the fund of the Illinois Central railroad. The seat for the Senate was won by Stephen Douglas while beating Abraham Lincoln.

            Along with his many victories, there came times of disappointment in between.  Stephen’s greatest loss was losing the Presidential election to Abe Lincoln. He had only a few supporters because of the split of the Democratic Party earlier in time.  Due to the debate he had with President Buchanan, he lost the votes of the Southerners. 4 years later he tried again.