The Sum of Us

by

Heather McGhee

The Three-fifths Compromise is a provision in the U.S. Constitution that enabled states to count three-fifths of their enslaved populations toward their tax obligations and representation in Congress. This substantially increased slave states’ political power and significantly reduced their tax burden. (The Three-fifths Compromise was repealed by the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868.)
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Three-Fifths Compromise Term Timeline in The Sum of Us

The timeline below shows where the term Three-Fifths Compromise appears in The Sum of Us. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: An Old Story: The Zero-Sum Hierarchy
Zero-Sum Thinking vs. Solidarity Theme Icon
The Toll of Racism Theme Icon
American Values and Identity Theme Icon
...in exchange for plantation tobacco, the Constitution gave slave states extra political power through the Three-fifths Compromise , and in 1790 the government officially limited citizenship to “free white persons.” To early... (full context)
Chapter 6: Never a Real Democracy
Zero-Sum Thinking vs. Solidarity Theme Icon
American Values and Identity Theme Icon
...rule […] by only the wealthiest of white men.” Non-property owners couldn’t vote, while the Three-fifths Compromise and the Electoral College were designed to tilt power towards slave states. In the 21st... (full context)