Final answer:
The passing of laws banning slavery in the northern states led to a more divided nation due to economic disparities, political tensions, and debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passing of laws banning slavery in the northern states led to a more divided nation due to several factors. Firstly, slavery was outlawed across the nation, which deepened the division between the North and the South. The Southern economy heavily relied on slavery for the production of crops like rice, cotton, and tobacco, resulting in economic disparities and political tensions. Additionally, debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories further exacerbated the divide between the two regions.