If I were living in Lafayette County in North Mississippi in 1861 I would more than likely be a poor educated farmer or perhaps a skilled trade man who knew little if anything about the US Constitution. Politics to me would have been all about the local races and positions and perhaps a little interest regarding state politics.
If I were fortunate enough to be literate and I could read a local paper or mayhaps one from Jackson or Memphis, neither of which would have been in favor of staying in the Union. If all the local young men, who I had known since birth, along with my family members and others (perhaps a few of middle age) were joing the local militia company with family and community supporting and honoring them, DO YOU THINK I WOULD NOT JOIN UP?
Put aside all the noble thoughts you have stemming from what we know today, would you go against family and your neighbors?
Tough decision.
No excuses just an honest look at the circumstances surrounding the young on both sides in 1861
Regards
David