The Most serious criticism of the United States Constitution is it originated as a pro-slavery document. So what position on slavery is taken in the Constitution itself? Does the 3/5s Compromise, the fugnitive slave clause, the delay on abolishing slave importation, and other provisions, evidence of pro-slavery exposure? Or are they necessary compromises designed to preserve the new Union until such a time as slavery could be abolished? We will examine the provisions in the Constitution that focus on slavery, considering those who argue it is a pro-slavery document and those who do not.

This program will be conducted as a conversation among peers, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings. Registrants are highly encouraged to read the documents and come with questions.