- *To maintain the balance of power in the Senate:* California's admission as a free state would tip the balance of power in the Senate in favor of the North, giving them more influence in the federal government and increasing their ability to pass legislation that aligned with their interests.
- *Economic interests:* Many Northern states had economic ties to California, particularly in trade and agriculture. Allowing California to enter as a free state would strengthen these economic ties and benefit the Northern economy.
- *Opposition to the extension of slavery:* The North was largely opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories, and they saw allowing California to enter as a free state as a way to limit the spread of the institution and promote their vision of a free society.
- *Moral and ideological reasons:* Many Northerners believed that slavery was morally wrong and unjust and saw California's admission as a free state as a step towards achieving their goal of abolishing slavery altogether.