Prior to the Civil war, the slave holding states granted a 3/5 (or similar) count for slaves in the decision of how many representatives in the House were granted a state. So they counted for that but of course had no rights themselves. It was a sweet deal for the slave owners.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.