It also discussed the representation of slaves in relation to political representation and taxation within the states. The three-fifths compromise (stated that three out of every five slaves are to be counted as a person, or three fifths of the total number of slaves) deeply split the northern and southern states. Slaveholders in the south wanted to be able to count slaves in their consensus so they could increase their number of representatives, whilst those who opposed slavery wanted to count only freed persons. Madison tried to rationalize the compromise by stating that slaves could be regarded as people, but could also be “debased by servitude below the equal level of free inhabitants” (2). He believed the comparative wealth of the states should be considered by the representatives of each state because the wealthier state’s cooperation was important to the success of the
It also discussed the representation of slaves in relation to political representation and taxation within the states. The three-fifths compromise (stated that three out of every five slaves are to be counted as a person, or three fifths of the total number of slaves) deeply split the northern and southern states. Slaveholders in the south wanted to be able to count slaves in their consensus so they could increase their number of representatives, whilst those who opposed slavery wanted to count only freed persons. Madison tried to rationalize the compromise by stating that slaves could be regarded as people, but could also be “debased by servitude below the equal level of free inhabitants” (2). He believed the comparative wealth of the states should be considered by the representatives of each state because the wealthier state’s cooperation was important to the success of the