Question

question 3 of 10
why did northern states oppose the fugitive slave act?
a. the fugitive slave act forced people in northern states to return escaped enslaved people to their enslavers.
b. the fugitive slave act forced people in northern states to allow slavery to continue in their states.
c. the fugitive slave act forced people in northern states to allow slavery in the new territories.
d. the fugitive slave act forced people in northern states to allow the slave trade to continue in washington, d.c.

Explanation:

The Fugitive Slave Act (1850) required that escaped enslaved individuals be returned to their enslavers, even if found in free (northern) states. Many in the North opposed this as it went against their anti - slavery sentiments and forced them to participate in the institution of slavery. Option B is incorrect as northern states had already abolished or were in the process of abolishing slavery within their own borders. Option C refers more to the issue of slavery in new territories (like the Wilmot Proviso and later the Kansas - Nebraska Act debates). Option D pertains to the slave trade in Washington, D.C. which was addressed by other parts of the Compromise of 1850 (not the main reason for northern opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act).

Answer:

A. The Fugitive Slave Act forced people in northern states to return escaped enslaved people to their enslavers.