In the 1800s , the U. S. government wanted to keep the number of free states and slave states equal in order to

The government wanted to keep the number of free and slave states equal so that neither of would throw off the balance of congress.

For example, if there was more slave states in congress, then most likely the laws would be made in favor of slavery.

answer; i believe that the correct answer is ( rivers);

answer; observing;