Isabella Carter
Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) was an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. He was an advocate of the American Revolution and American independence. Hopkinson wrote The New Roof, an allegory and poem published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787, to promote the ratification of the American Constitution. In the poem, he describes the Constitution as a new roof for a nation struggling under the Articles of Confederation, which were in very bad condition. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Convention, which ratified the United States Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francis Hopkinson |
| Born | 21 September 1737 (Julian calendar), 2 October 1737 (Gregorian calendar) |
| Died | 9 May 1791 |
| Profession | American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer |
| Education | College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) |
| Notable Works | "The New Roof", "The Treaty", "The Battle of the Kegs", "A Pretty Story", "The Psalms of David" |
| Role in U.S. Constitution | Advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, member of the Pennsylvania Convention which ratified the Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
Francis Hopkinson's poem, 'The New Roof'
Francis Hopkinson, an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer, wrote "The New Roof" to promote the ratification of the Constitution. Published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787, "The New Roof" is an allegorical poem that portrays the Constitution as a "new roof" for the nation, which was struggling under a roof "in very bad condition" (the Articles of Confederation).
In the poem, Hopkinson describes a group of skillful "architects" who had discovered the weakness of "a certain mansion house". The mansion house, with its old roof, is likened to a nation struggling under the Articles of Confederation, which were seen as inadequate and in need of replacement rather than simple repair. The "architects" in the poem represent those advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, which is offered as the much-needed "new roof".
Hopkinson, a staunch advocate of the American Revolution and independence, was also a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. He served in various roles in the early US government, including as a member of the Second Continental Congress and the Navy Board. He also designed Continental paper money and two early versions of flags—one for the US and one for the US Navy.
"The New Roof" is one of Hopkinson's notable works, along with other songs and compositions such as "The Treaty", "The Battle of the Kegs", and "My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free". He is recognized as the first American-born composer of a secular song, with his compositions dating back to 1759.
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Federalist vs Anti-Federalist committees
The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist committees were a feature of the late-18th-century political movement in the United States, centred on the creation of a stronger federal government and the ratification of the 1787 Constitution. The Federalists, or the pro-Constitution forces, advocated for a centralized national government, while the Anti-Federalists, led by Patrick Henry of Virginia, opposed the ratification, fearing a loss of individual liberties and the potential for the rise of tyranny.
The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist committees played a significant role in the constitutional ratification debate of 1787-1788. James Madison, a prominent Federalist and the primary architect of the Constitution, engineered the Federalist strategy from Virginia, communicating with leaders of Federalist committees in various states and counties. The Anti-Federalists, meanwhile, also had their state and local committees, and both sides interacted with each other in an ad hoc federated system.
During the spring preceding New York's ratification of the Constitution on July 26, 1788, local Federalist and Anti-Federalist committees engaged in heated debates through newspapers. These committees were instrumental in shaping public opinion and rallying support for their respective causes.
One notable figure in these debates was Francis Hopkinson, an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. Hopkinson penned two works titled "The New Roof," an allegory and a poem, which portrayed the Constitution as a "new roof" for a nation struggling under the inadequate Articles of Confederation. Hopkinson's writings, widely read and reprinted, contributed significantly to the Federalist cause and the eventual ratification of the Constitution.
The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist committees represent a pivotal period in American political history, reflecting the early republic's ideological divisions and the ongoing struggle to define the role and powers of the federal government.
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The Pennsylvania ratification debate
Francis Hopkinson was an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. He was a staunch advocate of the Revolution and American independence. He played a significant role in the Pennsylvania ratification debate, using his writings to promote the ratification of the Constitution.
Hopkinson's most notable contribution to the Pennsylvania ratification debate was his work titled "The New Roof". He wrote both a poem and an allegorical essay with the same title, which were published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787. In "The New Roof," Hopkinson uses the metaphor of a "new roof" to describe the Constitution as a necessary upgrade to the nation's existing framework, which he likened to a mansion house with a deteriorating roof. He emphasizes the need for skilled leaders, or "architects," to implement the changes effectively.
The Pennsylvania ratification convention was chaired by Reverend Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, who played a crucial role in navigating the state's diverse political landscape. The Anti-Federalist opposition was led by Thomas McKean, a Delaware-born Scots-Irishman. The Federalists, on the other hand, were championed by James Wilson, whose genius in explaining the complexities of a federal republic helped persuade Pennsylvanians to support ratification. Wilson's arguments countered those of George Mason, a fellow member of the Philadelphia convention who refused to sign the proposed Constitution.
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The legacy of Francis Hopkinson
Francis Hopkinson, born in 1737, was an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. He was also the first native American composer of a secular song, "My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free", in 1759. He was an ardent patriot and played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving in various positions within the early US government. He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, representing New Jersey, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. He also served as the Chairman of the Navy Board in Philadelphia from 1776 to 1778 and held judicial positions, including being the first federal judge of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania.
Hopkinson's legacy extends beyond his political and legal contributions. He is known for designing Continental paper money and creating early versions of flags for the United States and the US Navy. He also designed the original Orrery Seal of the University of Pennsylvania and played a role in designing the seal of the state of New Jersey and the Great Seal of the United States. Additionally, he composed music and wrote poetry, with his works including "The Treaty", "The Battle of the Kegs", and "The New Roof, a Song for Federal Mechanics".
One of Hopkinson's most notable contributions to the ratification of the American Constitution was his allegorical essay and poem titled "The New Roof". Published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787, "The New Roof" portrayed the Constitution as a "new roof" for the nation, with the existing roof (the Articles of Confederation) being in very poor condition and beyond simple repairs. This work was widely read and reprinted, effectively promoting the ratification of the Constitution.
In addition to his creative and political endeavours, Hopkinson was also a businessman, involving himself in the trade of fabric and port wine upon his return to Philadelphia in 1768. He was also a slave owner, as per Pennsylvania tax records and a Philadelphia census. On May 9, 1791, Hopkinson passed away in Philadelphia due to a sudden apoplectic seizure. He was interred in the Christ Church Burial Ground, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and political contributions that helped shape the early United States.
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The American Revolution and the Constitution
The American Revolution, which took place between 1765 and 1783, was a time of great political upheaval and transformation in the history of the United States. It was a conflict between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain, the colonizing power, over issues of taxation, representation, and political autonomy. The Revolution culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which established the United States as a sovereign nation.
Francis Hopkinson, an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer, played a significant role in the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the Constitution. Born in Philadelphia in 1737, Hopkinson was a graduate of the College of Philadelphia and had a diverse range of talents. He composed music, wrote poetry and satire, and was an accomplished painter. Hopkinson was also actively involved in the political events leading up to and following the Revolution. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776 and signed the Declaration of Independence, representing the state of New Jersey.
Hopkinson's creative works often reflected his political beliefs and played a crucial role in fostering a spirit of political independence. He wrote ballads, such as "The Battle of the Kegs" (1778), which commemorated the use of mines in warfare and inspired Americans to fight for freedom. He also penned witty and satirical poems, including "A Pretty Story," which critically examined the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies.
One of Hopkinson's most notable contributions to the support of the Constitution was his allegorical essay and poem titled "The New Roof." Published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787, "The New Roof" used the metaphor of a roof in bad condition to represent the nation's struggle under the Articles of Confederation. Hopkinson argued that simple repairs would not suffice and that a new roof, symbolizing the Constitution, was necessary for the country. "The New Roof" was widely read and reprinted, contributing to the ratification debate and promoting the idea of a strong central government.
In addition to his literary efforts, Hopkinson served in various roles within the early United States government. He was a member of the Second Continental Congress, the Navy Board, and the Pennsylvania Convention, which ratified the United States Constitution. He also became the first federal judge of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania in 1789, appointed by President George Washington.
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Frequently asked questions
Francis Hopkinson was an American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1737 and died in 1791.
"The New Roof" was a fable, or allegory, and poem written by Francis Hopkinson to promote the ratification of the US Constitution. It was published in the Pennsylvania Packet on December 29, 1787.
In "The New Roof," Hopkinson describes a group of skillful architects who had discovered the weakness of "a certain mansion house." The house was in very bad condition, and simple repairs would not suffice. The new roof represented the US Constitution, which was needed to save the nation.
Hopkinson wrote popular airs, ballads, and political satires in the form of poems and pamphlets. Some of his notable works include "The Treaty," "The Battle of the Kegs," and "A Pretty Story." He is also credited with designing Continental paper money and early versions of the US flag.
Yes, Francis Hopkinson was a strong supporter of the US Constitution and played an instrumental role in its ratification. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Convention, which ratified the Constitution, and served in various roles in the early US government.
