Why was it important for the south to ensure that the united states maintained a balance in the number of free states and slave states? a. if there were more free states, they would force the south to abolish slavery. b. if there were fewer free states, some of the southern states would have to abolish slavery. c. if there were more free states, it would be easier for southern states to secede from the union. d. if there were fewer free states, slavery would be abolished in indian territory.

The correct answer is A) If there were more free states, they would force the South to abolish slavery.

This factor is one of the biggest reasons why the federal government passed laws like the Missouri Compromise (1820) and the Compromise of 1850. The goal of these laws was to make sure that slave and free states were represented equally in Congress. This balance of power would ensure that the institution of slavery could not be abolished or expanded to states that did not want it to exist where they currently live. Ultimately, this problem was not solved peacefully as this was one of the causes of the Civil War.