QuestionJuly 5, 2025

Why did some people think the Three-Fifths Compromise encouraged slavery? It increased the political power of enslavers It increased slavery in the Northern states It increased the rights of enslaved people It increased Northern support for slavery

Why did some people think the Three-Fifths Compromise encouraged slavery? It increased the political power of enslavers It increased slavery in the Northern states It increased the rights of enslaved people It increased Northern support for slavery
Why did some people think the Three-Fifths Compromise encouraged slavery?
It increased the political power of enslavers
It increased slavery in the Northern states
It increased the rights of enslaved people
It increased Northern support for slavery

Solution
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Answer

The correct option is: "It increased the political power of enslavers." Explanation 1. The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that determined how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. It stated that each enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a person. 2. By counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person, Southern states gained increased representation in Congress without granting any rights to those enslaved. This effectively enhanced the political power of slaveholding states, allowing them to influence legislation more than they otherwise would have. 3. The compromise did not directly increase slavery in Northern states or enhance the rights of enslaved people; rather, it solidified the institution of slavery by giving Southern states greater leverage in national politics. 4. While it may seem that the compromise could lead to increased support for slavery in the North, its primary effect was to entrench the existing system of slavery by empowering those who supported it politically.

Explanation

1. < Understanding the Three-Fifths Compromise ><br /> The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that determined how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. It stated that each enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a person.<br /><br />2. < Analyzing Political Power ><br /> By counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person, Southern states gained increased representation in Congress without granting any rights to those enslaved. This effectively enhanced the political power of slaveholding states, allowing them to influence legislation more than they otherwise would have.<br /><br />3. < Evaluating Impact on Slavery ><br /> The compromise did not directly increase slavery in Northern states or enhance the rights of enslaved people; rather, it solidified the institution of slavery by giving Southern states greater leverage in national politics. <br /><br />4. < Conclusion on Support for Slavery ><br /> While it may seem that the compromise could lead to increased support for slavery in the North, its primary effect was to entrench the existing system of slavery by empowering those who supported it politically.
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