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 blacks to the economy of the South hindered such support in that region. …
