Question

“. . . In being compelled to labor, not for himself, but for a master; in being vendible by one master to another master; and in being subject at all times to be restrained in his liberty and chastised in his body, by the capricious will of another, the slave may appear to be degraded from the human rank, and classed with those irrational animals which fall under the legal denomination of property. In being protected, on the other hand, in his life and in his limbs, against the violence of all others, even the master of his labor and his liberty; and in being punishable himself for all violence committed against others, the slave is no less evidently regarded by the law as a member of the society. . . .” —The Federalist Papers
What compromise addressed the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in this Federalist Papers quote?
A. Bill of Rights Compromise
B. Three-Fifths Compromise
C. Great Compromise
D. Electoral College Compromise

Answer 1

B. Three-Fifths Compromise

The passage (from Federalist No. 54) discusses the dual legal status of slaves as both “property” and “members of society,” a key issue in how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation. The Three-Fifths Compromise resolved that by counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for apportioning seats in the House and direct taxes.