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 for representation and taxation purposes. This compromise stated that three out of every five enslaved individuals would be counted as part of the population, which significantly impacted political power in Congress, especially for southern states where slavery was prevalent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The three-fifths compromise was proposed by delegates from southern states who wanted to increase their representation in Congress by counting enslaved individuals as part of their population.
2. The compromise was a contentious issue that highlighted the deep divisions between northern and southern states regarding slavery and representation.
3. This agreement allowed southern states to gain greater political power than they would have had if only free individuals were counted.
4. The three-fifths compromise remained in effect until it was effectively nullified by the 14th Amendment in 1868, which granted full counting of all persons regardless of status.
5. The compromise is often viewed as a moral failure, as it dehumanized enslaved people by treating them as fractional human beings for political gain.

Review Questions

• How did the three-fifths compromise influence the political landscape of early America?
  • The three-fifths compromise significantly influenced the political landscape by increasing the representation of southern states in Congress. By allowing them to count three-fifths of their enslaved population, these states gained more power in legislative decisions, which shaped national policies. This imbalance contributed to tensions between northern and southern states over issues like slavery and governance, ultimately setting the stage for future conflicts.
• Evaluate the implications of the three-fifths compromise on the relationship between northern and southern states during the formation of the U.S. government.
  • The three-fifths compromise exacerbated tensions between northern and southern states by creating a disparity in political power. Southern states benefitted from counting enslaved individuals, allowing them to wield greater influence in Congress, while northern states, which had fewer slaves, felt underrepresented. This arrangement laid bare the sectional differences over slavery and representation, contributing to a growing divide that would have lasting effects on American politics.
• Assess the long-term consequences of the three-fifths compromise on American society and its implications for future civil rights movements.
  • The long-term consequences of the three-fifths compromise were profound, as it institutionalized a system where enslaved individuals were viewed as less than whole persons. This dehumanization fueled systemic racism and inequality that persisted long after slavery ended. The repercussions can still be seen in modern civil rights movements, where struggles for equality and representation continue to challenge historic injustices rooted in compromises like this one.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention: A gathering in 1787 where delegates from the thirteen American colonies met to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, ultimately resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Representation: The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented, particularly in legislative bodies such as Congress.

Slave Codes: Laws that defined the status of enslaved individuals and the rights of their owners, often restricting the freedoms and rights of enslaved people to maintain control over the slave population.