1850–51 United States House of Representatives elections
It appeared in the short term that Congress had politically feasible options to contain sectionalism and to reduce tensions over expanding slavery in the West.The Free Soil Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery into the Western territories, lost five seats and was reduced to four Representatives, all in New England.Elections were held August 4, 1851, after the March 4, 1851 beginning of the term, but before the House first convened in December 1851.The election was held August 4, 1851, after the March 4, 1851 beginning of the term, but before the House first convened in December 1851.Elections were held April 7, 1851, after the March 4, 1851 beginning of the term, but before the House first convened in December 1851.Elections were held November 4, 1851, after the March 4, 1851 beginning of the term, but before the House first convened in December 1851.Elections were held November 3–4, 1851, after the March 4, 1851 beginning of the term, but before the House first convened in December 1851.