Question

Which accurately describes the terms of the Compromise of 1850?
(1 point)
Responses

All slavery was eliminated in the District of Columbia
All slavery was eliminated in the District of Columbia

California was allowed to enter the Union as a free state with no slavery
California was allowed to enter the Union as a free state with no slavery

Texas was allowed to annex New Mexico, extending slavery into that territory
Texas was allowed to annex New Mexico, extending slavery into that territory

Popular sovereignty was established, allowing states to vote on whether or not to have slavery
Popular sovereignty was established, allowing states to vote on whether or not to have slavery

1 answer

The statement that accurately describes the terms of the Compromise of 1850 is:

Popular sovereignty was established, allowing states to vote on whether or not to have slavery.

This principle was applied to the territories of Utah and New Mexico, allowing the settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery.

To clarify the other statements:

  • All slavery was not eliminated in the District of Columbia; the Compromise allowed slavery to continue there, though the slave trade was abolished.
  • California was indeed admitted as a free state.
  • Texas did not gain the ability to annex New Mexico; rather, Texas agreed to give up claims to parts of New Mexico in exchange for financial assistance from the federal government.

So, the best response is regarding popular sovereignty.