Question

Which situation was affected depending on wether a state was admitted as a free state or a slave state?

Answer 1

The situation that was affected depending on whether a state was admitted as a free state or a slave state was the balance of power in the United States Congress. Each state sent representatives to Congress, and if a state were admitted as a free state, it would strengthen the representation of the anti-slavery faction in Congress. On the other hand, if a state were admitted as a slave state, it would strengthen the representation of the pro-slavery faction in Congress. This would, in turn, impact the legislative power, as each side would have a greater or lesser ability to pass or block legislation related to the expansion or restriction of slavery. The admission of free or slave states thus directly affected the political and social landscape of the United States during the era of territorial expansion and the lead-up to the American Civil War.