How might supporters of the Missouri compromise have responded to the arguments of Claimright and Jefferson?

Supporters of the Missouri Compromise likely would have countered Claimright and Jefferson by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a balance between free and slave states to preserve the Union. They might argue that the compromise was a pragmatic solution to prevent sectional conflict and promote national unity. Additionally, they could assert that allowing Missouri to enter as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state exemplified a fair and equitable approach to managing the contentious issue of slavery in new territories. Ultimately, they would view the compromise as a critical step toward ensuring political stability and preventing the escalation of tensions over slavery.