The Ideas described in this passage from the constitution of the united states most directly reflected which of the goals of American leaders and the Constitutional Convention? A. Establishing federal control over all trade conducted by individual states
B. Ensuring southern support for replacing the articles of confederation
C. Protecting States rights to political independence within the federal system
D. Providing balance between small and large states political influence

The part of the constitution:
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. . . .

No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.