Question

the fugitive slave act included which of the following provisions?
○ enslaved persons became legally free upon reaching a northern state.
○ citizens were supposed to help federal marshals catch runaway enslaved persons.
○ the government fined enslavers who allowed enslaved people to escape.

Explanation:

To determine the correct provision of the Fugitive Slave Act, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Enslaved persons did not become legally free in Northern states under the Fugitive Slave Act; this is incorrect.
• Option 2: The Fugitive Slave Act required citizens to assist federal marshals in capturing runaway enslaved people. This aligns with the Act's provisions.
• Option 3: The Act did not fine enslavers for allowing enslaved people to escape; instead, it focused on returning runaways, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Citizens were supposed to help federal marshals catch runaway enslaved persons.