explain the arguments on both sides of the Three-Fifths Compromise (North and South) and its effects on the political power of the South

Question

Research and summarize the arguments advanced by the South as to how enslaved people should be counted towards representation and taxation.
Evaluate the impact the Three-Fifths Compromise had on the power of Southern states.

Answer 1

The Three-Fifths Compromise, established during the 1787 Constitutional Convention in the United States, concerned the issue of how enslaved people would be counted towards representation and taxation. It is important to note that these arguments reflect the perspectives of that time and do not reflect modern beliefs about the value and humanity of all individuals.

Arguments advanced by the South regarding enslaved people's counting for representation and taxation included:

1. Economic value: The South argued that enslaved people were property and thus should be counted for the purpose of taxation. They believed that if enslaved people were not counted, the burden of taxation would fall disproportionately on the Southern states, where the institution of slavery was most prevalent. Counting enslaved people as part of the population would provide economic support for southern states.

2. Political power: The South also contended that enslaved people should be counted for representation in the House of Representatives. They argued that, as property owners, they should be allowed to count their enslaved population to increase their representative power. By including enslaved people, the South aimed to have more representatives advocating for their interests in Congress.

The Three-Fifths Compromise was reached as a result of these arguments. It determined that each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person for both the purposes of representation and taxation. This meant that for every five enslaved people, three would be included in the population count.

The Three-Fifths Compromise had a significant impact on the power of Southern states due to their higher enslaved population. By counting three-fifths of their enslaved population towards representation, Southern states gained greater representation in Congress. This increased their political power and influence over national policies.

One consequence of this Compromise was that it solidified the political dominance of the South in the early years of the United States. The South was able to maintain a higher number of representatives in Congress due to their larger enslaved population, which allowed them to defend and protect their interests, particularly regarding the institution of slavery.

However, it is important to recognize the ethical and moral implications of this compromise. The Three-Fifths Compromise perpetuated the dehumanization and subjugation of enslaved people by considering them as partial persons, reinforcing the unjust notion of their property status. This compromise also further entrenched the divide between the North and the South on the issue of slavery, eventually leading to increasing tensions and ultimately, the American Civil War.