What did the phrase "3/5th closure" refer to?

Prepare for your TAMU HIST105 Exam with engaging study material. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding of U.S. History!

The phrase "3/5th closure" refers to the agreement during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for purposes of both taxation and representation in Congress. This compromise was a crucial aspect of how representation was determined in the new government, ultimately influencing the balance of power between free and slave states.

By counting enslaved individuals in this manner, Southern states gained more representation in the House of Representatives than they would have if only free individuals were counted, while also subjecting themselves to taxation based on that population. Thus, the three-fifths clause was significant in shaping the legislative structure of the United States and reflected the deeply entrenched issues of slavery and representation during that period.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of the phrase; voting rights pertained to legal rights rather than population counts, representation in the Senate operates on a different basis since each state has equal representation regardless of population, and judicial power to review statutes does not relate to population or representation at all.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy