Three-fifths compromise

Definition

The three-fifths compromise was an agreement made during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that determined how slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation. It stipulated that each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person when apportioning congressional representation among the states. This compromise was essential in balancing the interests of northern and southern states, reflecting the contentious debate over slavery during the drafting of the Constitution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The three-fifths compromise was a pivotal moment in shaping how representation would be structured in Congress, allowing slaveholding states to gain more political power.
2. This compromise was a direct result of conflicting interests between northern states, which generally opposed slavery, and southern states, which relied heavily on enslaved labor.
3. The three-fifths rule was used only for determining representation in the House of Representatives and did not apply to taxation.
4. The compromise highlighted the deep divisions over slavery that existed at the time and set a precedent for how such contentious issues would be negotiated in American politics.
5. The three-fifths compromise remained in effect until it was effectively rendered moot by the 14th Amendment in 1868, which granted full citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did the three-fifths compromise reflect the conflicting interests of northern and southern states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The three-fifths compromise was a direct response to the differing priorities of northern and southern states regarding slavery and representation. Northern states, which had fewer enslaved people, were concerned about giving southern states disproportionate power in Congress if slaves were fully counted. Southern states, on the other hand, wanted their enslaved population counted to increase their representation. This compromise allowed both sides to reach an agreement while revealing the deep-seated tensions surrounding slavery that would continue to shape American politics.
• Discuss the impact of the three-fifths compromise on the political landscape of the United States following its adoption.
  • The adoption of the three-fifths compromise had significant implications for the political landscape of the United States, as it increased representation for southern states in Congress based on their slave populations. This led to more power for pro-slavery interests during critical legislative decisions and contributed to a series of national policies that entrenched slavery further into American society. The compromise essentially allowed southern states to wield considerable influence over national governance, exacerbating tensions between free and slave states leading up to the Civil War.
• Evaluate how the three-fifths compromise influenced later debates about civil rights and representation in America.
  • The three-fifths compromise set a precedent for how contentious issues involving race and representation would be addressed in American governance. It established a framework where compromises were necessary but often inadequate in resolving underlying moral questions about slavery and human rights. Later debates surrounding civil rights, particularly during the abolition movement and Civil Rights Movement, were deeply rooted in this historical compromise. As America grappled with its legacy, this compromise served as a reminder of how systemic inequalities were embedded into foundational governance structures, prompting ongoing efforts for equality and justice.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates met to address issues with the Articles of Confederation and ultimately drafted the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a strong national government with representation based on state population, which favored larger states.

Equal Representation: The principle that all states should have the same number of representatives in Congress, which was a key point of contention between large and small states during the drafting of the Constitution.