Question

question 1 of 12
why were southern states opposed to california entering the union as a free
state?
a. representatives from california would outnumber representatives
from the southern states.
b. other western territories would copy california and become free
states.
c. representatives from california had expressed support for slavery
in other territories.
d. adding california as a free state would mean that there would be
more free states than slave states.

Explanation:

When California was admitted as a free state, the balance between free and slave states in the U.S. Senate (where each state had equal representation) was at stake. Before California's admission, there was an approximate balance. Adding California as a free state would tip the balance in favor of free states, which Southern states (which relied on slave - based economies) opposed.

Answer:

D. Admitting California as a free state would mean that there would be more free states than slave states.