The issue of representation again brought up the topic of slavery when southeast Arkansas proposed a three-fifths rule in order to count the numerous slaves held in the region. Northwest Arkansas wanted to proportion the congressional districts based on only free white men, which would give them a political advantage. Eventually a geographic compromise was struck, with eight representatives from the northwest, eight representatives from the southeast, and one from a central district. After this compromise was approved, the Arkansas Constitution was sent to Washington for approval. After a 25-hour session in the House over the slavery issue, the Arkansas Constitution was approved. President Andrew Jackson approved the bill creating the State of Arkansas on June 15, 1836.