Thurgood Marshall
What did Thurgood Marshall call the Constitution?
"Defective from the start."
What does the word "slave" not appear in?
The Constitution.
Why did framers make concessions on slavery?
To gain support from southern delegates for a strong central government.
Who argued for federal regulation of the slave trade?
Luther Martin of Maryland.
What did William Lloyd Garrison call the Constitution?
"A covenant with death and an agreement with Hell."
What phrase did the framers use that excluded many Americans?
"We the People."
What is the three-fifths clause?
It counted three-fifths of a state’s slave population for representation.
Concessions made by the framers regarding slavery affected southern delegates' support. How?
It ensured their participation in the Union.
What did John Rutledge say about religion and humanity?
They have nothing to do with the question of slavery.
According to the text, why is the Constitution considered controversial?
It temporarily strengthened slavery while also enabling its eventual abolition.
Why did some framers have moral qualms about slavery?
They recognized the moral issues but prioritized unity over morality.
What did the fugitive slave clause require?
The return of runaway slaves to their owners.
How many of the 55 delegates owned slaves?
About 25 delegates owned slaves.
What was George Mason's view on slavery?
He believed it discouraged labor and corrupted slaveholders.
What did some believe the Constitution temporarily strengthened?
The institution of slavery.
What did Marshall say about the document's foundation?
It laid a foundation for tragic events that followed.
What did the Constitution prevent Congress from doing for twenty years?
Outlawing the Atlantic slave trade.
How did Madison claim the states were divided?
The real difference lies between northern and southern states.
Why did Oliver Ellsworth accuse slaveholders of hypocrisy?
They could afford to oppose the slave trade because of population differences.
How did the Constitution eventually aid in abolishing slavery?
It created a central government powerful enough to enact change.
What was the significance of the 200th anniversary?
It highlighted ongoing issues with the Constitution regarding slavery.
How did the Constitution empower the federal government regarding rebellions?
It allowed the government to put down domestic rebellions, including slave insurrections.
What two slave states were crucial for the Union's support?
South Carolina and Georgia.
What was the outcome of the debate over the slave trade at the Constitutional Convention?
A compromise allowed a 20-year ban on restrictions in exchange for other concessions.
Why is the debate about the Constitution’s stance on slavery still relevant?
It reflects ongoing discussions about equality and rights in America.