Constitutional Compromises on Slavery and Early Federal Slave-Trade Policy (1787–1808)

1. Constitutional Convention opens amid slavery disputes

   May 25, 1787Labels: Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia

   • IHB

2. Northwest Ordinance bans slavery in Northwest Territory

   Jul 13, 1787Labels: Northwest Ordinance, Congress

   • Natl Archives

3. Three-Fifths Compromise shapes representation and taxation

   Sep 17, 1787Labels: Three-Fifths Compromise

   • NPS

4. Slave-trade clause blocks federal ban until 1808

   Sep 17, 1787Labels: Slave-trade Clause, Constitution

   • Const Center

5. Fugitive Slave Clause added to interstate relations

   Sep 17, 1787Labels: Fugitive Slave, Constitution

   • Const Center
   • NPS

6. Constitution takes effect after enough states ratify

   Mar 4, 1789Labels: U S, New Government

   • Prigg case

7. Article V temporarily shields slave-trade clause from amendment

   Mar 4, 1789Labels: Article V, Constitution

   • Article V

8. Southwest Territory law protects slavery expansion

   May 26, 1790Labels: Southwest Territory, Congress

   • SW Territory

9. Fugitive Slave Act creates federal return procedures

   Feb 12, 1793Labels: Fugitive Slave, Congress

   • Const Center
   • FSA 1793

10. Jefferson urges Congress to end slave importations

    Dec 2, 1806Labels: Thomas Jefferson, Presidential Message

    • ABT

11. Congress passes Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves

    Mar 2, 1807Labels: Act Prohibiting, Congress

    • Congress gov
    • ABT

12. Federal ban on slave importation takes effect

    Jan 1, 1808Labels: Importation Ban, 1808

    • CBP
    • Britannica no