* Breed slaves: Slaveholders could breed slaves to increase their workforce. They could also sell the children of slaves to other slaveholders.
* Work slaves: Slaveholders could force slaves to work long hours in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. They could also whip or beat slaves for any reason they saw fit.
* Punish slaves: Slaveholders could punish slaves in any way they saw fit, including whipping, beating, branding, and even killing them.
* Deny slaves basic rights: Slaveholders could deny slaves basic rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own property, and the right to an education.