Question

The Fugitive Slave Act __________.

A. decreased the number of runaway slaves from going to Canada.
B. outlawed the trade of slaves in Washington, D.C..
C. forced people to enforce (support) slavery.
D. allowed abolitionists to help slaves escape the south.

Answer 1

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 strengthened the fugitive slave laws by requiring citizens to assist in capturing runaway slaves and denying accused runaways certain legal rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 strengthened the fugitive slave laws by requiring all citizens to help in the capture of runaway slaves. U.S. Marshals had the power to deputize citizens to assist in seizing slaves, and those who refused to help or interfered in the capture faced fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the law denied accused runaways the right to a jury trial or the ability to testify in their defense.