Here are the answers to the questions on your worksheet about the Missouri Compromise.
1. What issue caused the need for compromise between Northern and Southern states?
The main issue was
slavery. Specifically, the states disagreed on whether new states joining the Union should allow slavery or be free states. The North generally wanted to stop the spread of slavery, while the South wanted to expand it.
2. Why did Congress have to create a compromise?
Congress had to create a compromise because there was an even balance of power in the Senate. At that time, there were 11 free states and 11 slave states. Both sides wanted to keep this balance so neither side would have more votes than the other. If Missouri joined as just a slave state, the South would have more power, which the North didn't want.
3. What part of the Missouri Compromise took place in 1820?
In 1820,
Missouri was admitted to the Union as a slave state, and at the same time,
Maine was admitted as a free state. This kept the number of free and slave states equal (12 each).
4. What was also added as a free state because of the Missouri Compromise?
Maine was added as a free state. (It was originally part of Massachusetts but separated to join as its own state).
5. What line of latitude was used to divide free and slave territories?
The line used was
36°30' (thirty-six degrees, thirty minutes) North latitude. This is often called the "Missouri Compromise Line."
6. What rule applied south of this line?
South of the 36°30' line,
slavery was allowed (it was legal) in the new territories. North of that line, slavery was banned (except for Missouri itself).
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Final Answer:
1. Slavery (and whether new states would be free or slave).
2. To maintain the balance of power between free and slave states in the Senate.
3. Missouri entered as a slave state and Maine entered as a free state.
4. Maine.
5. 36°30' North latitude.
6. Slavery was permitted (allowed).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of missouri compromise worksheet 8th grade.
