3/5ths compromise

Why were some of the Founding Fathers hesitant to take action against slavery?

The Founding Fathers did not take action against slavery wanted to maintain private property rights, the principle of limited government, and to secure the unity of the United States.

What did the 3/5's compromise determine?

The 3/5's compromise declared that three fifths of the slave population would be counted to determine representation and direct taxation.

After the Great Compromise was set in place, what issue arrived between the Northern and Southern delegates?

The Southern and Northern delegates argued on how the population of slaves should be counted. The Northern delegates proposed that only the freed slaves should be counted, while the Southern delegates threatened to leave if the slave population was not counted.

How was the specific number of 3/5's chosen for the compromise?

The number was chosen after the proposed 1/2 by Benjamin Harrison and 4/5's proposed by other New Englanders did not receive support. This 3/5 number was proposed by James Madison.

What were the effects that the 3/5's compromise had on Southern states when it was put in place?

With the three fifths compromise in place, southern states were often over represented in national politics. However, it also directly increased the overall tax-burden of each Southern state.