Why did the framers of the Constitution not include freedom from slavery as a basic right?

The decision not to include freedom from slavery as a basic right in the Constitution was largely influenced by the political dynamics of the time, particularly the power of slave-holding states. Delegates from these states played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention, and their strong opposition to any provisions that would threaten the institution of slavery was a significant factor in the negotiations. They made it clear that threatening slavery would lead to their refusal to support the Constitution, which would endanger the ratification process.

This tension between free and slave states created a critical environment where the framers prioritized the unity of the states and, ultimately, the stability of the new government over addressing the moral and ethical implications of slavery. The threat of opposition from slave-holding states was instrumental in shaping the compromises made, including the infamous Three-Fifths Compromise, which further acknowledged and institutionalized the practice of slavery rather than abolishing it. These historical circumstances illustrate how economic interests and regional power dynamics profoundly influenced the foundational legal framework of the United States.