MR. L. MARTIN proposed to . . . allow a prohibition or tax on the importation of slaves. . . . [The slave trade] was inconsistent with the principles of the revolution, and dishonorable to the American character . . . . Mr. RUTLEDGE. If the Convention thinks that North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia will ever agree to the plan, unless their right to import slaves be untouched, the expectation is vain.

Which statement would Madison most likely have agreed with, and why?

Martin’s statement because Madison did not think that the legislative branch of the federal government should regulate trade

Martin’s statement because Madison believed that the practice of slavery contradicted the principles of the new government

Rutledge’s statement because Madison also wanted to bring an eventual end to the slave trade in the United States

Rutledge’s statement because Madison opposed the federal government’s policy of taxation