Question

the admission of california into the united states was a divisive national issue because

1. westerners in other territories believed they deserved statehood before california.
2. californias entry would upset the nations numerical balance of free and slave states.
3. most californians opposed entry into the united states.
4. california adopted a constitution that allowed slavery.
5. lawmakers believed california gold would upset the currency and cause inflation.

westerners in other territories believed they deserved statehood before california.

californias entry would upset the nations numerical balance of free and slave states.

most californians opposed entry into the united states.

california adopted a constitution that allowed slavery.

lawmakers believed california gold would upset the currency and cause inflation.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Westerners' belief about statehood order was not the main divisive issue regarding California's admission.
• Option 2: During the period of California's admission (1850), the balance between free and slave states was a critical national issue. California's entry as a free state would upset this balance, leading to division. This aligns with historical context.
• Option 3: Most Californians supported statehood, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: California's constitution prohibited slavery, so this is false.
• Option 5: Concerns about gold and currency were not the primary divisive factor for state admission.

Answer:

B. California's entry would upset the nation's numerical balance of free and slave states.