Question

What was the number one issue considered when a state asked to be admitted to the union

Answer 1

Whether or not it was a slave state or a free state was a big issue. 

Answer 2

Whether the state was a slave state or a free state.

Step-by-step explanation:

This was the main concern of the United States when it came to accepting a new state to the Union. This was because of the delicate balance of power that existed in the country. The strong opposition of slave states to free states (and viceversa) led to an equal number of slave and free states in the Union in order to maintain a balance of power. The admission of a new state threatened such a balance.