What does the term platform mean in the context of the political process?

By the end of the 1800s, there was a change in the nature of the immigrants coming to the united states. immigration from northern europe—england, ireland, germany, and scandinavia—declined, while immigration from italy, russia, and austria-hungary grew. in fact, between 1900 and 1910, more than three-fourths of all immigrants came from these three countries. unfortunately, these countries were far removed england, the home of our founders, and the immigrants who came from them had a hard time adjusting to life in their new country.

Which political organization lobbied government officials to control the immigrant population

"but let us admit texas, and we shall place the balance of power in the hands of the texans themselves. they, with the southern states, will control the policy and the destiny of this nation; our tariff will then be held at the will of the texan advocates of free trade. are our friends of the north prepared to deliver over this great national policy to the people of texas? " - rep. joshua giddings, ohio, may 21, 1844 this quote points to what major issue in the years leading up to the civil war?