Why did southern delegates to the Constitutional Convention have opposed the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Answer 1

Southern delegates at the Constitutional Convention were opposed to the Three-Fifths Compromise because they believed that enslaved individuals should be counted as full persons for the purpose of determining representation in the House of Representatives. They argued that if enslaved individuals were counted as three-fifths of a person, it would diminish their political power and representation in Congress. Additionally, Southern delegates were concerned that if enslaved individuals were not counted fully, it could lead to the eventual abolition or weakening of the institution of slavery.