Final answer:
The influential Southerners pushed for a new Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 to protect and promote the institution of slavery. The reaction of many Northerners to the new law was justified because they saw it as a violation of states' rights and individual freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was pushed for by many influential Southerners because they wanted to protect and promote the institution of slavery. The law allowed for the capture and return of escaped slaves, even in free states, and imposed heavy fines and penalties on those who aided escaped slaves. This law increased the power of the federal government and further reinforced the influence of slaveholders over the country.
The reaction of many Northerners to the new law was justified. They saw the Fugitive Slave Act as a violation of states' rights and an infringement on the freedom of individuals. Northerners were also troubled by the way the law undermined local and state laws, fostered corruption, and enabled the enslavement of free black Northerners. Many Northerners obstructed the implementation of the law and even helped fugitive slaves escape to Canada.