Which of these was not a key difference between northern and southern states at the constitutional convention? wanting to protect states' interests vs. a government with strict ruleshaving more, larger cities vs. having fewer, smaller citieswanting to protect agriculture vs. protect industrieshaving many enslaved people vs, using less enslaved labor

Wanting to protect states' interests vs. a government with strict rules

Explanation:

The constitutional Convention was held in 1787. At that time, the major issues that debated among southern states and northern states were focused on the morality of slavery along with how to count their representation in the government.

The issue regarding protect states' interests vs. a government with strict rules on the other hand only became a serious issue  in the mid 1800 (which eventually led to the Civil War)

it is a part of john locke's natural rights popular during the age of enlightenment that people had inalienable rights to life, liberty and property. this was reflected by thomas jefferson in his declaration of independence as rights to life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

another line in the declaration of independence is that people have certain rights just because they are human. humans are capable of obeying the three natural rights john locke mentioned making them governable by these laws and therefore entitled to these rights as well.