Question

The three-fifths compromise is one of the most controversial decisions in the history of the United States. What is the three-fifths compromise and what was its purpose?

Answer 1

The three-fifths compromise is an agreement between delegates from the northern and southern states that the 3/5 ths of the slave population would be counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives. It was controversial because if slaves were counted it would total out to a bigger population than the northerners not giving the northerners enough representation.

Answer 2

Three-fifths compromise, compromise agreement between delegates from the Northern and the Southern states at the United States Constitutional Convention 1787 that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.