GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A historical society is preparing an exhibit on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They want to highlight the significant compromises made during the Constitutional Convention. Which compromise addressed the method of counting enslaved individuals for purposes of representation and taxation?
- AThe Three-Fifths Compromise
- BThe Great Compromise
- CThe Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
- DThe Electoral College Compromise
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for both representation in the House of Representatives and for direct taxation. This was a critical agreement between northern and southern states.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) dealt with representation in Congress (House based on population, Senate equal representation).
- C. The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise prevented Congress from taxing exports and banning the slave trade for 20 years.
- D. The Electoral College Compromise established the system for electing the President and Vice President.
Three-Fifths Compromise
An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that stipulated three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for the purpose of determining a state's population for both representation in the House of Representatives and direct taxation.
- Addressed representation and taxation.
- Counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved individuals.
- Resolved conflict between Northern and Southern states.
Memory trick: Great representation, Three-Fifths for people, Commerce for trade, and Electoral for the President.