United States marshals who refused to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act could be punished with _____.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required federal marshals to help enforce the law. A marshal who refused or neglected to carry out its duties could face a $1,000 penalty, along with possible liability for damages. That makes “severe financial penalties” the correct choice; the punishment described was not simply withholding wages or time in prison.

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