Question

How did the issue of slavery affect the debate on representation at the Constitutional Convention

Answer 1

The issue of whether or not slaves would count towards the population was a huge problem at the Constitutional Convention. Northern politicians did not want slaves to count, as this would give Southern states more power in Congress. On the other hand, Southern politicians wanted slaves to count but they did not want to give them equal rights. Ultimately, the two sides compromise by creating the Three-Fifths Compromise.

The 3/5ths Compromise stated that for every 5 slaves, 3 would count towards the population.