Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise address?

1. The voting rights of women

2. Representation of slaves in Congress

3. Trade regulations between states

4. Taxation of imported goods

The correct answer is: Representation of slaves in Congress

The Three-Fifths Compromise addressed the issue of how slaves would be counted for purposes of representation in Congress and taxation. Specifically, it stipulated that for every five enslaved individuals, three would be counted towards a state's population when determining congressional representation. This compromise was crucial during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as it aimed to balance the interests of Southern states, which had large slave populations, with those of Northern states, which had fewer slaves and were less reliant on slavery for their economies. This compromise was significant because it directly influenced the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives. It also highlighted the contentious issue of slavery in early American politics, showcasing the struggle between the moral objections to slavery and the political compromises necessary to forge a unified nation. The Three-Fifths Compromise ultimately reflects how deeply embedded the institution of slavery was in the political framework of the United States at that time.