What was the Three-Fifths Compromise, and why was it created?

The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation. It was created to appease Southern states.

Why is the compromise regarding slavery considered a 'tragic compromise'?

It is considered a tragic compromise because it perpetuated the institution of slavery and denied basic rights to a significant portion of the population.

The U.S. Constitution

8th Grade•40 minutes

Learning Objective

I can describe the key principles and compromises involved in creating the U.S. Constitution.

Key Concepts

The Great Compromise resulted in each state having two senators and a House of Representatives based on population.

Southern states wanted to include enslaved people in their population counts, leading to the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Benjamin Franklin believed that compromise was essential for the new nation to move forward and for American democracy to develop.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 7 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. What was the main disagreement between large and small states regarding representation in Congress?

2. What role did Benjamin Franklin play in resolving the conflict over congressional apportionment?

3. Describe the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) reached regarding representation in Congress.

...and 4 more questions

Educational Video

Compromise and the Constitution of the United States | Benjamin Franklin | PBS | A Film by Ken Burns

PBS

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Key Concepts

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