Why did the U. S. want to purchase California from Mexico?
a. to instigate war with Mexico
b. to retaliate against property damages to U. S. merchants in Mexico
c. to gain free trade along the Pacific coast
d to allow more slave states into the Union

C) to gain free trade along the pacific coast

Explanation

US expansionists wanted California to thwart British ambitions in the area and gain a port on the pacific ocean

council members were chosen randomly, and men could present laws for debate in assembly.