Question

I. The South had a larger population resulting from the use of slave labor.
II. Land in the South was more conducive to agriculture than in the North.
III. Southern delegates believed their more populous states should have more representatives.

Which underlying factor or factors most contributed to the creation of the Three-Fifths Compromise at the Constitutional Convention?
A.
I, II, and III
B.
II and III
C.
I and III
D.
I and II

Answer 1

C. I and III

Explanation: The dispute centered on representation — Southern states had much larger slave populations (I) and wanted slaves counted toward congressional seats, while Northern delegates objected since slaves lacked rights. Southern delegates believed more populous states should have greater representation (III). The agricultural suitability of Southern land (II) helped explain why slavery existed but was not a direct factor in creating the Three-Fifths Compromise.