The balance of power in Congress and the overall political landscape of the United States were affected depending on whether a state was admitted as a free state or a slave state. The admission of a state as a free state or a slave state would either maintain or upset the balance between free and slave states in Congress, which in turn could impact the passage of laws related to slavery, taxation, and other important issues. Additionally, the admission of new states as free or slave could also affect the social and economic structure of the region, as well as influence the spread of slavery in the country.
