The Three-fifths Compromise was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, allowing southern states to count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation in Congress and the Electoral College. This compromise was crucial for the southern states because it increased their representation relative to free states, despite the fact that enslaved individuals could not vote.
If enslaved people were not counted at all for representation, southern states would have faced a significant reduction in political power. In terms of the states listed, Maryland would likely be the most adversely affected if enslaved people were not counted toward population, even at a fraction (60%).
Reasons:
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Population Composition: Maryland had a significant population of enslaved individuals during this period. Not counting them would result in a substantial reduction in the state's overall population count for representation.
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Political Influence: Reducing the number of representatives in Congress would hurt Maryland's influence in federal decision-making compared to states where enslaved individuals were counted.
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Regional Dynamics: Since Maryland was a border state with both northern and southern influences, losing representation could also weaken its position in negotiations and legislative matters that affected the region.
In summary, Maryland would be the state most negatively impacted by the exclusion of enslaved people from population counts for representation, as it would decrease its political power significantly compared to if they were counted, even partially, under the Three-fifths Compromise.