[Olog-hai]

Historians largely agree the compromise gave slaveholding states inordinate power over choosing a president — and decisions of the Continental Congress. That clout eventually faded when Northern state populations began to rapidly rise.

The AP acknowledges the truth, but gives a false reason.

Never mind giving argumentum ad verecundiam as the only “proof” that the three-fifths rule actually empowered slave states rather than reduced their power.

[ifinnegan]

I think understanding fractions is too difficult for many people, especially of the liberal persuasion.

I could not believe when Condi Rice repeated the canard that it meant the original constitution said she was only three-fifths a person.