Which statement best describes the Free Soil Party's position?

• A. It supported expanding slavery into new territories.
• B. It promoted unrestricted immigration to populate new territories.
• C. It was a nativist party that wanted to stop immigration and stop slavery from spreading to the West.
• D. It sought immediate abolition nationwide.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the Free Soil Party fought to keep new western lands free of slavery, arguing that new territories should offer opportunity for free labor rather than extend slavery. That focus is why the statement describing stopping slavery from spreading to the West fits best. They weren’t aiming to abolish slavery everywhere immediately, nor were they primarily about restricting immigration. They opposed expanding slavery into new territories, which is the core point this option highlights. The other choices describe positions the party did not pursue: expanding slavery, promoting immigration, or nationwide immediate abolition.