How did Congress attempt to maintain a balance of power between Northern and Southern states in the mid-1800s?
by keeping the number of free and slave states equal
by creating more free states than slave states
by created more slave states than free states
by forming new political parties to address slavery

A. by keeping the number of free and slave states equal

Explanation: In order to keep the Union together, Congress realised the importance of a continuation of the balance between slave and free states as well as the balance of power between the competing sides in the issue. Compromises were needed to equalize the power between proslavery and antislavery interests in the government.

In an effort to maintain the balance of power, the Missouri Compromise ( a United States federal legislation passed in 1820) admitted Maine to the United States as a free state while simultaneously admitting Missouri as a slave state.

Both sides didn't want the other to have more representation as this would mean a majority which could block or pass legislation.

c would be the correct !

hope this !

~bbgluver