The Articles of Confederation had failed. The future of this new nation was at stake. Foreign countries still posed a threat. An armed rebellion had rocked Massachusetts. The states needed to defend themselves. Could a new Constitution help this floundering nation?

The Constitutional Convention was called. A number of compromises were made throughout the proceedings, such as the Great Compromise, which determined the two focuses for voting: by state (Senate) and by population (House of Representatives). Slavery was another huge issue that needed to be faced. Find out what the Founding Fathers proposed in this new Constitution.

Answer the following questions. You can use your textbook, the library or the Constitution Challenge Web site to find the answers.

1. What does compromise mean?

Compromise means to come to an agreement through consent by means of mutual concessions.

2. What compromise was made regarding slavery?

The Three-Fifth Compromise stated that states were to count three-fifths of the state’s slaves in the total population. In other words, for every five slaves, three would be added to the population count used to determine representation in the House of Representatives.

3. With a partner, answer the questions below.

• Partner 1: What are the advantages to slavery existing in the United States (both economically and politically)?

• Partner 2: What are the advantages for ending (abolishing) slavery in the United States (both economically and politically)?

Advantages to slavery: Economically, slave owners have free labor and don’t have to pay wages to their workers. Politically, if slaves are counted as part of the voting public, there is a larger vote, which helps positions and viewpoints be made into law.

Disadvantages to slavery: Slavery prevents people from living as free human beings.

4. What might have happened if those who opposed slavery had insisted on abolition or removal of slavery in the United States?

Answers will vary.

Compromises — The Slavery Issue Worksheet (PDF File)