Several perspectives exist on the framing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. One perspective is expressed by Donald Nieman's essay Slavery and the Constitution; it reflects on the issue of slavery and how economic interests of the Southern states and ideological interests of the North resulted in compromise for both sides. Although antislavery proponents existed on both sides, antislavery advocates were able to advance their cause most effectively in the North. The importance of …showed first 75 words of 306 total…

…showed last 75 words of 306 total…group, however, disenfranchisement, discrimination, destruction, and even death were not solely experienced by them. Equality and fairness, as defined today, was primarily reserved for rich white men. The constitutional framers were perhaps imbued with more foresight than given credit for, seeing that slavery was an institution without a future, that strife over the issue would likely occur in the near future, and what they needed was time to build strength in anticipation of that strife.