Three-Fifths Compromise

Definition

The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that determined how enslaved individuals would be counted when apportioning representation and taxation. This compromise established that three out of every five enslaved people would be counted as part of the population for congressional representation, which benefited Southern states with large enslaved populations while simultaneously dehumanizing those individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Three-Fifths Compromise was a contentious issue that highlighted the deep divisions between Northern and Southern states regarding slavery and representation.
2. It allowed Southern states to increase their representation in Congress without granting any rights to enslaved individuals, effectively giving them more political power.
3. This compromise was eventually rendered moot by the 14th Amendment in 1868, which established that all persons should be counted equally for representation purposes.
4. The Three-Fifths Compromise is often seen as a moral compromise, reflecting the conflicting interests of states and their positions on slavery during the formation of the U.S. government.
5. The outcome of this compromise set a precedent for future legislative battles over representation and civil rights in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Three-Fifths Compromise illustrate the tensions between Northern and Southern states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Three-Fifths Compromise exemplified the significant tensions between Northern and Southern states, primarily surrounding the issue of slavery. Southern states wanted enslaved individuals counted fully for representation purposes to increase their power in Congress, while Northern states opposed this idea due to concerns about slavery. The compromise, which counted three out of every five enslaved persons, allowed Southern states to gain representation while not addressing the moral implications of slavery, highlighting the ongoing conflict over this institution.
• In what ways did the Three-Fifths Compromise impact the political landscape of the early United States?
  • The Three-Fifths Compromise had a profound impact on the political landscape of early America by disproportionately increasing the power of Southern states in Congress. This power shift allowed slaveholding states to secure more political influence, which affected legislation regarding slavery and contributed to sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War. The compromise created a system where political representation was linked to an institution that denied basic human rights, setting the stage for ongoing debates about equality and representation.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Three-Fifths Compromise on American society and governance.
  • The long-term consequences of the Three-Fifths Compromise were significant in shaping American society and governance. By institutionalizing a counting method that dehumanized enslaved individuals, it laid groundwork for systemic inequalities that persisted long after slavery ended. The precedent set by this compromise influenced future discussions about civil rights and representation, as it demonstrated how political compromises could entrench social injustices. Moreover, it foreshadowed the conflicts that would arise over representation and civil rights leading into the Civil War and beyond, reflecting a nation grappling with its values and principles.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention:

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

Representation: The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone, often referring to how political representatives are chosen based on population counts.

Abolition: The movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting the rights and freedoms of enslaved individuals, gaining momentum in the early to mid-19th century.