Question

Which law made the federal government responsible for returning slaves to their owners, even if they had escaped to the North.

Answer 1

The law that made the federal government responsible for returning escaped slaves to their owners is the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This act was part of the Compromise of 1850 and strengthened previous legislation, allowing for the capture and return of runaway slaves and imposing penalties on individuals who aided in their escape. It increased the power of slave owners and made it more difficult for escaped slaves to find refuge in free states.