President Lincoln believed that it was _______ for states to secede.

negative

impossible

possible

positive

negative

President Lincoln believed that it was negative for states to secede.

To determine the answer to this question, we need to examine historical sources and references that can provide insight into President Lincoln's beliefs on the matter of states seceding. One reliable source to consult would be President Lincoln's speeches and statements during his presidency.

If we review President Lincoln's views on the secession of states during the American Civil War, we find that he did not believe it was positive for states to secede. In fact, he was a staunch defender of the Union and believed that secession was not only unlawful, but also unconstitutional. President Lincoln's primary objective was to preserve the Union and maintain the United States as one nation.

Therefore, the answer to the question is "negative" – President Lincoln believed that it was negative for states to secede.