Question

Regarding the 3/5ths Compromise during the Constitutional Convention, what was James Madison's stance?

A. He strongly supported it
B. He vehemently opposed it
C. He was neutral and didn't express a clear stance
D. He proposed an alternative compromise

Answer 1

James Madison did not express a definitive stance on the Three-Fifths Compromise, though he recognized the importance of compromises for the republic's future. The Three-Fifths Compromise counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for taxation and representation.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the time of the Constitutional Convention and Three-Fifths Compromise, James Madison did not express a clear stance akin to strong support or vehement opposition that aligned with either extreme of the debate. While Madison is known for his writing of the Federalist Papers and fervent advocacy for a strong central government, his opinions on the Three-Fifths Compromise itself weren't overtly recorded as heavily supporting or opposing it. He, alongside Thomas Jefferson, understood the importance of reaching a compromise for the future of the nation. The Three-Fifths Compromise was a middle-ground agreement facilitated during the Constitutional Convention which determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for both federal taxation and representation in Congress.