Question

why did lincoln refer to the right of each state to control its own affairs in his inaugural address

Answer 1

Because he wanted to assure the public opinion of the South that he and his government had no intention to interfere or intervene in the States' own internal affair or institutions. He was particularly referring to the "Peculiar Institution" and, in detail, to what is contemplated in the Constitution:Quote:No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.Unquote