Question

unit 5 1844-1877 a
\with regard to the northwestern states, to which the ordinance of 1787 was applied—ohio, indiana, illinois, and michigan—no one now believes that any one of those states, if they thought proper to do it, has not just as much a right to introduce slavery within her borders as virginia has a right to maintain the existence of slavery within hers.
they, if in this struggle of power and empire between the two classes of states a decision of california has taken place adverse to the wishes of the southern states, it is a decision not made by the general federal government. it is a decision respecting which they cannot complain to the general government. it is a decision made by california herself, and which california had incontestably a right to make under the constitution of the united states. ...
the question of slavery, either of its introduction or interdiction, is silent as respects the action of the federal government, and if it has been decided, it has been by a different body—by a different power—by california herself, who had a right to make that decision.\
senator henry clay, speech in the united states senate, 1850
evidence in the excerpt best corroborates which of the following broader historical con
a expanded trade between the east and west coasts and with asia
divided the country in new ways.
b abolitionist activity undermined the ability of new territories to
achieve statehood.
c southern states sought more proslavery seats in the united states
congress.
d new political parties such as the know - nothings threatened the
system of slavery.

Explanation:

The excerpt discusses the slavery question in new states (like California) and the power struggle between pro - slavery (Southern) and other states. Southern states wanted more proslavery seats in Congress to maintain their influence, as seen in the context of state decisions on slavery and the power dynamics. Option A is about trade, not slavery. Option B is incorrect as the excerpt doesn't suggest abolitionist activity hindered statehood. Option D: Know - Nothings were about nativism, not directly about slavery's system. So the best answer is C.

Answer:

C. Southern states sought more proslavery seats in the United States Congress.