What principle did the Compromise of 1850 invoke regarding slavery in new territories?

The Compromise of 1850 invoked the principle of popular sovereignty, which allowed the settlers of new territories to decide for themselves whether they would permit slavery or not. This principle was a key aspect of the compromise, particularly regarding the territories acquired from the Mexican-American War.

By allowing the residents of these territories to determine the status of slavery, popular sovereignty aimed to ease tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions by providing a democratic solution to a contentious issue. This approach was intended as a means to maintain the fragile balance between slave and free states in Congress and reduce sectional conflict. The principle reflects the broader democratic ideals of self-determination and governance by consent, which were prevalent in American political thought at the time.

Other concepts like states' rights, immediate emancipation, and abolitionism do not accurately capture the intent of the Compromise of 1850 since they either focus on the overarching authority of states rather than popular choice, advocate for the immediate end of slavery, or support the complete elimination of slavery rather than allowing for local autonomy in the territories.