Question

Which statement best explains why the Declaration of Independence does not directly address the issue of slavery?
Thomas Jefferson’s own plantation used the labor of enslaved people.
Thomas Jefferson did not believe in the selling of enslaved people.
Some colonies supported enslavement to ensure profits, and others were opposed to enslavement.
Some colonists believed that enslaved people would want to fight the British.

Answer 1

Some colonies supported enslavement to ensure profits, and others were opposed to enslavement.

Explanation: Delegates were sharply divided—southern colonies depended on slavery economically and resisted any condemnation, while others opposed it. To preserve unity against Britain, the pro-independence leaders removed passages criticizing slavery from Jefferson’s draft.