2 short answers needed

Due in 40 minutes

 Some historians state that the peaceful transition of power marks the major difference between America and other 'democracies' such as the Greek Polis and the (early) Roman Republic. Was there in fact a peaceful transition during this period and do we still have that legacy today? 

 Question 2:

The South could have taken a far different course during the early days of the Industrial Revolution and not only fully participated but actually dominated the era. What would have been some of the advantages of such a move and why didn't they do it?