Why did the Great Compromise and the Three‑Fifths Compromise involve so much debate and discussion at the Constitutional Convention? A. The states were not ready to give up their independence. B. The states felt that the Articles of Confederation worked well. C. The states were interested in their own interests first and did not care about the country. D. The states feared that cooperating would lead to a civil war.
Why did the Great Compromise and the Three‑Fifths Compromise involve so much debate and discussion at the Constitutional Convention?
Share
The correct answer is C. The states were interested in their own interests first and did not care about the country.
Explanation: The Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise were contentious because each state had different priorities and interests, particularly related to representation and slavery. Smaller states wanted equal representation, while larger states wanted representation based on population. Additionally, the Three-Fifths Compromise addressed how slaves would be counted for representation, reflecting the varying interests of states in regard to slavery and political power. The debates revealed the states’ focus on their own benefits rather than a unified national interest.