Question

prior to the compromise of 1850, what was the legal status of slavery under californias state constitution?

a.) it was left to the federal government to decide.
b.) it was completely illegal.
c.) it was completely legal.
d.) it was legal but subject to strict regulation.

Explanation:

Analyze California's 1849 Constitutional Convention

In late 1849, Californians drafted a state constitution in Monterey to apply for statehood. A central issue was whether to permit slavery. The delegates voted unanimously to ban slavery, making it completely illegal under the proposed state constitution.

Connect to the Compromise of 1850

When California applied for admission to the Union as a free state, it triggered a major sectional crisis. This crisis was resolved by the Compromise of 1850, which officially admitted California as a free state, matching the anti-slavery status already established in its 1849 constitution.

Answer:

• a.) It was left to the federal government to decide.
• b.) It was completely illegal. (Correct answer)
• c.) It was completely legal.
• d.) It was legal but subject to strict regulation.