The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state in 1820. But, Maine, which was apart of Massachusetts, was to be admitted as a separate, free state. Therefore, there were 12 slave states and 12 free states. The Missouri Compromise by Congress forbade slavery in the remaining territories in the Louisiana Territory north of the line of 36° 30', except for Missouri. It was an equal balance, but perhaps leant towards the North more. The Compromise of 1850, in regards to slavery, California was admitted as a free state, but the <span>territories of New Mexico and Utah were open to popular sovereignty. Additionally, slave trade</span>
