Constitutional Convention and the Three-Fifths Compromise

In May 1787, delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia to draft the U.S. government framework. A major issue was representation, especially concerning the enslaved population in southern states. Southern states wanted slaves counted for representation but not taxation, while northern states opposed this. The Three-Fifths Compromise was reached, counting each slave as three-fifths of a person for both purposes. This compromise lasted until slavery was abolished nearly 80 years later.

What was the primary goal of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

• To elect a new president

• To draft a new government structure for the United States

• To declare independence from Britain

• To abolish slavery

Why did southern states want their slave population to count towards representation?

• To reduce the number of free states

• To promote the abolition of slavery

• To gain more representatives in the House

• To increase their tax obligations

What was the northern states' argument regarding the counting of slaves?

• If counted for representation, slaves should also be counted for taxation

• Slaves should only be counted for taxation

• Slaves should not be counted at all

• Slaves should be counted as full citizens

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• Slaves would not be counted at all

• Slaves would be granted the right to vote

• Each slave would count as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation

• Each slave would count as a full person for representation

How long did the Three-Fifths Compromise remain in effect?

• Until the end of the Civil War

• Until the signing of the Constitution

• Nearly 80 years after the signing of the Constitution

• Until the 13th Amendment was passed