The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention. It determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for both taxation and representation purposes. This compromise had significant implications for the political power of states, particularly those in the South.
The Three-Fifths Compromise primarily benefited the Southern states. These states had large populations of enslaved people, and by counting three-fifths of this population, they gained greater representation in the House of Representatives. This increased representation allowed Southern states to have more influence over national legislation and policy.
States such as Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, which had substantial enslaved populations, saw the most benefit from this compromise. It bolstered their political power and ensured that their interests, particularly those related to slavery, were more strongly represented in the federal government.
In summary, the Three-Fifths Compromise was a pivotal moment in U.S. history that significantly benefited Southern states by enhancing their political influence through increased representation in Congress.