π Definition of the Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was a pivotal agreement reached during the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention. It addressed a critical issue: how enslaved people should be counted when determining a state's population for legislative representation and taxation.
π History and Background
During the drafting of the Constitution, states were divided on how enslaved individuals should factor into population counts. Southern states wanted enslaved people to be counted fully to increase their representation in the House of Representatives, but they did not want to count them for the purposes of taxation. Northern states, with fewer enslaved people, argued that enslaved people should not be counted at all for representation, as they were not considered citizens and did not have the right to vote.
βοΈ Key Principles
- π€ The Compromise: 3/5 of the enslaved population would be counted for both representation in Congress and taxation.
- π’ The Formula: This meant that for every five enslaved people, three would be added to the state's population count.
- ποΈ Impact on Representation: This boosted the political power of Southern states in the House of Representatives.
- π° Impact on Taxation: Southern states would also pay more in federal taxes, though this was a less significant factor in their calculations.
π Real-world Examples
Imagine a state with 100,000 free residents and 50,000 enslaved people. Before the compromise, the state would only be represented based on the 100,000 free residents. With the Three-Fifths Compromise, the state's population would be calculated as:
Population = Free Residents + (3/5 * Enslaved People)
Population = $100,000 + (\frac{3}{5} * 50,000)$
Population = $100,000 + 30,000 = 130,000$
Thus, the state's representation would be based on a population of 130,000.
π Impact and Consequences
- ποΈ Political Power: Southern states gained significant political influence, affecting federal policies related to slavery.
- β³ Prolongation of Slavery: The compromise indirectly supported the continuation of slavery by increasing the political clout of pro-slavery states.
- π Moral Implications: It enshrined the dehumanization of enslaved people in the Constitution, treating them as less than whole persons.
π Conclusion
The Three-Fifths Compromise was a controversial and consequential decision in American history. While it allowed the Constitutional Convention to move forward and create a unified nation, it also perpetuated the institution of slavery and its far-reaching effects on American society. Understanding this compromise is essential for grasping the complexities and contradictions of the founding of the United States.
