Question

What did southern states' reaction to the proposed Compromise of 1850 illustrate about their concerns about westward expansion?

A.

The southern states rejected the compromise because, despite strengthening federal fugitive slave laws, it allowed California to become a free state, indicating that they were most concerned about the status of slavery at the state level.

B.

The southern states accepted the compromise because, despite allowing California to become a free state, it strengthened federal fugitive slave laws, indicating that they were most concerned about the status of slavery at the federal level.

C.

The southern states accepted the compromise because, despite weakening federal fugitive slave laws, it allowed Texas to become a slave state, indicating that they were most concerned about the status of slavery at the state level.

D.

The southern states rejected the compromise, because despite allowing Texas to become a slave state, it weakened federal fugitive slave laws, indicating that they were most concerned about the status of slavery at the federal level.

Answer 1

B.

Southern leaders accepted the Compromise of 1850 because, although it admitted California as a free state, it included a strengthened federal Fugitive Slave Act — showing they prioritized federal protection and enforcement of slavery (national-level guarantees) over individual state admissions.