Which statement best explains why politicians in the South wanted to admit an equal number of free states and slave states to the Union?

Question

They wanted to prevent abolitionists from controlling Congress.
They wanted to make sure tariff rates would not become too high.
They wanted even economic development throughout the country.
They wanted to make it difficult for slaves to escape to free states.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains why politicians in the South wanted to admit an equal number of free states and slave states to the Union is:

They wanted to prevent abolitionists from controlling Congress.

This concern stemmed from the desire to maintain a balance of power in Congress between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, as an imbalance could lead to legislation that would threaten the institution of slavery in the Southern states.