Tag Archives: Articles of Confederation
AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO SHARE EXPENSES ACCORDING TO POPULATION, APRIL 18 1783
The three-fifths ratio appeared in 1783 as an amendment to the Articles of Confederation to enhance the taxing power of the Continential Congress. In July, the government issued a resolution calling for a convention of States to address the their power limitations. No where in this resolution is the perpetuation of slavery is listed as a cause to amend the Articles of Confederation. The amendment also mentions nothing about perpetuating slavery or associates the ratio of three-fifths with slavery.
FACT CHECK: DID THE STATES HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEFEND THEIR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE WAR OF 1861? YES, THEY DID.
Yes. Congressional Congressmen made their legal argument through Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 of the compact entitled “The Constitution of the United States”. Slavery was tied to State representation in the US House of Representatives. Remove slavery and States lose representation and therefore the power to affect legislation.
The Constitution of 1787
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States … Read More »