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

Question

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 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 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 option 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 reaction highlights how the southern states were primarily focused on the preservation of slavery as a federal institution, as they believed federal protections for slavery were essential to their interests, especially as the nation expanded westward.