The Three-Fifths Compromise: America’s Original Racial Injustice

When we think of the U.S. Constitution, we often see it as a symbol of democracy and freedom. But buried within its early framework was one of the most dehumanizing policies in American history—the Three-Fifths Compromise.

This compromise, written into the Constitution in 1787, declared that enslaved Black people would only count as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of representation and taxation. It was a cold, calculated political move—one that reinforced slavery and shaped racial inequality for generations.

Why Was the Three-Fifths Compromise Created?

After the American Revolution, leaders from the newly formed states gathered to draft the U.S. Constitution. One of the biggest debates? How political power would be distributed among states.

Southern states, where slavery was the backbone of the economy, wanted enslaved people to count toward their population. Why? Because more population meant more seats in Congress and more political power.

Northern states, where slavery was less widespread, argued that enslaved people shouldn’t be counted at all, since they were not considered citizens and had no rights.

The compromise? Each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person—giving slaveholding states more power in Congress while still treating enslaved people as property rather than full citizens.

The Impact: Strengthening Slavery

This compromise solidified the power of the South, allowing pro-slavery politicians to dominate the U.S. government for decades.

🔹 It gave Southern states more seats in Congress, making it harder to pass anti-slavery laws.🔹 It helped elect pro-slavery presidents, including Thomas Jefferson.🔹 It delayed the abolition of slavery, keeping the institution alive until the Civil War.

Essentially, the Three-Fifths Compromise ensured that the voices of enslaved Black people were used to benefit their oppressors—without giving them any rights in return.

How It Ended (But Not Its Legacy)

The Three-Fifths Compromise was repealed after the Civil War with the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery and granted Black men citizenship and voting rights.

But while the compromise itself disappeared, its effects lingered:

🔹 Jim Crow laws continued to suppress Black political power.🔹 Voter suppression—poll taxes, literacy tests, and gerrymandering—kept Black Americans from full representation.🔹 Today, mass incarceration and felony disenfranchisement continue to strip voting rights from Black communities at disproportionate rates.

Why This Still Matters Today

The Three-Fifths Compromise is a painful reminder that America’s legal system was built on racial injustice.

Even today, discussions around voter suppression, prison gerrymandering, and systemic racism trace their roots back to this policy.

So as we talk about Black history, let’s remember: The fight for true representation and equality isn’t over.

💬 Let’s Talk:

Did you learn about the Three-Fifths Compromise in school? How do you see its effects in politics today? Let’s discuss in the comments!