Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Slavery Clauses in the U.S. Constitution

Article One, Section 2. 3: Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons.

- 3/5ths Compromise.

Article One, Section 9.1: The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year 1808, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importations, not exceeding 10 dollars for each person.

- Slave Trade Clause.
- Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves.
- African Slave Trade.

Article 4, Section 2.3: No person held to service or labour in one state, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labour, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labour may be due.

- Fugitive Slave Clause.

Article 5: no amendment which may be made prior to the year 1808, shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article.