How did the federal government respond to abolition between 1836 and 1844?

The Federal government acted, knowingly that the issue was sensitive, it limited the discussions and arguments in petitions of anti-slavery Congress. The abolitionists, on the other hand, has created a wide movement; consisting of civil organizations, church organizations, political party, and anti-slavery society. It was triggered after the death of Elijah PArish Lovejoy an advocate of the cause. However it did not stop the abolitionist, they moved on with the struggle.