Question

why was missouri joining the union controversial?
missouri wanted to be a free state, so the south did not want to admit it to the union.
missouri would upset the balance between the equal number of slave states and free states.
missouri would cause there to be twice as many slave states as free states, so free states opposed statehood.
missouri would be too much of a drain on the national economy, so both the north and south opposed statehood.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because Missouri wanted to be a slave state, not a free state, so the South would likely support it, and the North would oppose.
• The second option is correct. At the time, there was a balance between slave and free states in the Senate. Missouri's admission as a slave state would upset this balance, leading to controversy.
• The third option is incorrect. Missouri being a slave state wouldn't make slave states twice as many as free states; it would just tip the balance, not create such a disproportionate ratio.
• The fourth option is incorrect. Missouri's economic impact wasn't the primary reason for the controversy; the main issue was the balance of slave and free states.

Answer:

The Middle Option (Missouri would upset the balance between the equal number of slave states and free states.)