Slavery Three-Fifths Compromise: 

Unifying the States at the Constitutional Convention

Introduction:

At the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787, representatives from the thirteen states gathered to create a new federal organization. One of the key issues that emerged was the question of how to address slavery. Southern states, heavily reliant on enslaved labor, refused to participate in the union if the slavery trade was to be ended. This led to a complex and controversial compromise known as the Three-Fifths Compromise. In this literary nonfiction text, we will explore the details and significance of this compromise.

The Three-Fifths Compromise:

The Three-Fifths Compromise, reached at the Constitutional Convention, stated that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted when determining the states' representation and setting direct taxes. This decision had a significant impact on the political and economic landscape of the United States.

Southern states, such as Georgia and South Carolina, heavily relied on the institution of slavery to maintain their agrarian economies. They wanted the enslaved population to be counted in full, as this would increase their representation in the House of Representatives and consequently their political power. However, the northern states, particularly those in New England, viewed slavery as morally wrong and did not want to grant additional political power to states that supported it.

The Fugitive Slave Clause:

In addition to the Three-Fifths Compromise, another contentious issue related to slavery arose during the Constitutional Convention. Southern states delegates wanted other states to return escaped slaves, as the Northwest Ordinance had set a precedent for this. The delegates agreed to a similar clause, known as the Fugitive Slave Clause, which was incorporated into Article IV of the Constitution.

The Fugitive Slave Clause stated that if a person escaped from slavery and fled to another state, that state was obligated to return the individual to their owner. This clause was viewed as a compromise between the northern and southern states. The delegates from New England states agreed to this provision in exchange for concessions on shipping and trade, which were crucial to their economic interests.

Significance and Impact:

The Three-Fifths Compromise and the inclusion of the Fugitive Slave Clause were essential in securing the support and participation of the southern states in the new federal organization. While these compromises helped unify the states and establish the United States Constitution, they also perpetuated the institution of slavery.

By counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person, the compromise dehumanized and marginalized them. It reinforced the unjust system of slavery that denied basic human rights and perpetuated the unequal treatment of African Americans. The Fugitive Slave Clause further solidified the control of slaveholders over enslaved individuals, denying them the possibility of finding freedom in other states.

Conclusion:

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a deeply controversial and morally troubling decision made at the Constitutional Convention. While it served to unite the states and establish a new federal organization, it also perpetuated the institution of slavery. The compromise, along with the inclusion of the Fugitive Slave Clause, reveals the complexities and tensions surrounding the issue of slavery during this critical period in American history.