Question

how was the debate surrounding the counting of enslaved black people for purposes of representation in the house of representatives resolved?

select an answer

a. an agreement was reached through the virginia plan, which created a bicameral legislature.
b. southerners agreed that enslaved black people would not count for purposes of representation in the house of representatives.
c. northerners and southerners eventually agreed that only three-fifths of enslaved people would be counted.
d. northerners agreed to allow enslaved black people to count fully for purposes of representation in the house of representatives.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical debate on representation

The debate centered on how enslaved Black people would be counted for determining a state's population, which in turn dictated its number of seats in the House of Representatives and its tax burden. Southern states wanted enslaved people to count fully for representation but not for taxation, while Northern states argued they should not count for representation but should count for taxation.

Evaluate the proposed solutions and compromises

The disagreement was resolved at the 1787 Constitutional Convention through the Three-Fifths Compromise. Under this agreement, three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for both representation and direct taxation purposes.

Match the historical resolution to the options

• Option A describes the Virginia Plan and bicameralism, which resolved the debate over large vs. small state representation (not the slavery representation debate).
• Option B is incorrect because Southerners wanted enslaved people to count for representation to increase their political power.
• Option C accurately describes the Three-Fifths Compromise.
• Option D is incorrect because Northerners did not agree to count enslaved people fully.

Answer:

• A. An agreement was reached through the Virginia Plan, which created a bicameral legislature.
• B. Southerners agreed that enslaved Black people would not count for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives.
• C. Northerners and southerners eventually agreed that only three-fifths of enslaved people would be counted. (Correct answer)
• D. Northerners agreed to allow enslaved Black people to count fully for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives.