What did southern states' reaction to the proposed Compromise of 1850 illustrate about their concerns about westward expansion?(1 point) Responses 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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.

This illustrates that Southern states prioritized the protection of slavery and their rights regarding it at the federal level, showing their ongoing concerns about maintaining the institution of slavery as the nation expanded westward.