Three-Fifths Compromise

Definition

The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that determined how slaves would be counted when apportioning representation and taxation. Specifically, it stated that each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person for these purposes, which significantly affected the political power of slave-holding states in Congress. This compromise highlighted the contentious debate over slavery and representation, balancing the interests of both northern and southern states in the formation of the new government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Three-Fifths Compromise allowed southern states to have greater representation in Congress than they would have if only free persons were counted.
2. This compromise was a critical factor in the ratification of the Constitution, as it satisfied southern states that relied on slavery for their economy.
3. The formula established by the Three-Fifths Compromise remained in effect until the Civil War and was effectively nullified by the 14th Amendment.
4. Debates surrounding this compromise revealed deep divisions between northern and southern states over the issue of slavery, impacting future political dynamics.
5. The Three-Fifths Compromise exemplified the broader compromises made during the Constitutional Convention to ensure unity among diverse states with conflicting interests.

Review Questions

• How did the Three-Fifths Compromise impact the balance of power between northern and southern states?
  • The Three-Fifths Compromise significantly impacted the balance of power by increasing the representation of southern states in Congress due to their large populations of enslaved individuals. By counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person, southern states gained more seats in the House of Representatives than they would have if only free citizens were counted. This arrangement gave southern states more political influence, allowing them to shape national policy in favor of slavery for several decades.
• What were some key arguments for and against the Three-Fifths Compromise during the Constitutional Convention?
  • Proponents of the Three-Fifths Compromise argued that counting enslaved individuals would give southern states fair representation based on their populations, which was essential for maintaining political stability. Conversely, opponents contended that it was morally wrong to count enslaved people for representation while denying them basic rights and freedoms. This tension highlighted the ethical dilemmas surrounding slavery and raised questions about how to create a fair government amid such profound inequalities.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Three-Fifths Compromise on American politics and society leading up to the Civil War.
  • The long-term implications of the Three-Fifths Compromise were profound, as it entrenched slavery within American political systems and contributed to regional tensions between north and south. By enabling southern states to maintain significant political power through increased representation, it allowed pro-slavery interests to dominate national debates on various issues, including territorial expansion and federal policies. Ultimately, this compromise set the stage for ongoing conflicts that culminated in the Civil War, as it did not resolve but rather exacerbated divisions over slavery and civil rights.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering of delegates in 1787 to address issues in governing the United States, ultimately resulting in the drafting of the Constitution.

Representation: The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state; in this context, it refers to how population counts determine the number of representatives each state gets in Congress.

Slave Trade: The forced transportation and selling of enslaved African people, which was a central issue in American politics and economics prior to the Civil War.