Can some one describe the ways government systems distribute power

What is zinn's approach to the study of history? what does he suggest occurs when history is told is the story of human progress?

Me a slaveowner who worked a slave to death or be a slave to death, a. cannot be tried for murder in criminal court but could be sued for wrongful death in the civil court b. cannot be tried in court because there was no law against the mistreatment of slaves. c. could have his form or plantation confiscated by the state and sold to the highest bidder. d. could be tried for murder in most southern states.

What was the compromise that allowed california to be admitted to the union