Which of the following is not true regarding the election of 1860?
a. it decided the question of slavery based on popular sovereignty.
b. the president was elected with only 40% of the popular vote.
c. the nation was primed for a civil war.
d. it gave the southern states a justification for secession.

D. It gave the southern states a justification for secession.

Explanation:

Let's talk about each option.

A. It decided the question of slavery based on popular sovereignty.

Yes. This concept estabilished that each territory decided on it's slavery legislation;

B. The president was elected with only 40% of the popular vote.

Yes. Lincoln had 39.8% of votes.

C. The nation was primed for a civil war.

Yes. There was the civil war from 1862 to 1865.

D. It gave the southern states a justification for secession.

By elimination, this is false, and the answer to this question.

william marbury filed suit against secretary of state james madison because madison refused to deliver the justice of the peace commission former president john adams awarded marbury under the organic act of 1801.