Founding Fathers: A True Reflection Of Society?

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 were tasked with revising the existing government, but they ended up creating a completely new one. The 55 delegates, ranging in age from 26 to 81, represented a variety of interests and views and crafted compromises to address the problems of a weak central government, state disputes, and economic issues. The delegates included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, George Washington, and Gouverneur Morris, among others. They created a powerful central government with a federal system that divided authority between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The delegates' backgrounds and the society they reflected influenced the shape of the new government, with some arguing it reflected the old corrupt and centralized British regime, and others defending it.

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The delegates' backgrounds and beliefs

The delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 came from a range of backgrounds and held diverse beliefs. Of the 70 individuals appointed by the original states, 55 attended, and only 39 signed the Constitution. The delegates' ages ranged from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair due to his infirmity.

The delegates included Founding Fathers such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, who feared that their young country was on the brink of collapse due to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution. They believed that a stronger central government was necessary to address the nation's challenges and prevent it from tearing itself apart over disputes between the states. Madison, a strong nationalist, proposed the Virginia Plan, which called for a supreme national government and served as a basis for the US Constitution. Hamilton, a dedicated nationalist, played a crucial role in orchestrating the groundswell for the Constitutional Convention. He helped convince Congress to organize a Grand Convention of state delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Other delegates, like Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, came from wealthy and privileged backgrounds. Morris, born on the impressive Morrisania estate in New York, received an education from private tutors and the faculty of King's College (later Columbia University). He trained as a lawyer but entered politics as the movement for independence gained momentum. Despite losing a leg in a carriage accident, Morris actively engaged with women and served in the militia. He was acknowledged as a brilliant stylist and appointed to the committee that drafted New York's first constitution.

Some delegates, like John Rutledge of South Carolina, were experienced politicians and orators. Rutledge made his fortune from his plantations and slaves and served in the provincial assembly until independence was declared. He defended American rights during the tensions with Great Britain and worked for a peaceful resolution. Once independence was achieved, Rutledge played a role in reorganizing his state government and writing South Carolina's state constitution. Although he was a patriot, he resigned from the state legislature when democratic revisions were made to the constitution, reflecting his political conservatism.

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention represented a diverse range of interests and views, and they crafted compromises to address the challenges facing their young nation. Their backgrounds and beliefs reflected the complex and evolving political landscape of the time, as they worked together to create a powerful central government and establish the foundation for the United States of America.

The delegates' intentions

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 were tasked with revising the existing government, but they ended up creating a completely new one. The convention was assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787, with 55 delegates in attendance, representing a wide range of interests and views. The delegates were wary of centralized power and loyal to their states, so they crafted compromises to balance federal authority between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.

The original purpose of the convention was to amend the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution. However, some delegates, including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, wanted to create a new framework for a more powerful national government. They believed that the young country was on the brink of collapse due to the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which gave the Confederation Congress rule-making and funding powers but no enforcement powers and no ability to regulate commerce or print money.

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention created a model of government that relied on checks and balances. They divided federal authority between the three branches of government, with a weak presidency and a strong legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The delegates also addressed issues arising from the Revolutionary War, such as the payment of debts and domestic issues. They established a federal government with more specific powers, including the power to conduct relations with foreign governments, and created an executive branch to handle routine paperwork and manage foreign affairs.

The delegates came from diverse backgrounds and held varying political beliefs. Some, like Alexander Hamilton, were dedicated nationalists who advocated for a strong central government. Others, like the Anti-Federalists, opposed the idea of centralized power, arguing that it resembled the old British regime and would lead to a government controlled by the wealthy elite. The delegates also disagreed on the inclusion of a bill of rights, with some proposing that the Constitution be prefaced with one, but this idea was ultimately rejected.

Overall, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention reflected the diverse society of their time, with varying intentions and goals. They grappled with complex issues, made compromises, and ultimately created a new form of government that has endured and been emulated around the world.

The delegates' influence

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, played a significant role in shaping the course of American history. The convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787, brought together 55 delegates from all states except Rhode Island. These delegates, or representatives of the states, engaged in months of debates and discussions to draft a new constitution for the young nation.

One of the key influences of the delegates was their commitment to creating a strong national government. They recognized the need for a central authority that could effectively govern the country and address the issues it faced. This led to the rejection of the Articles of Confederation and the decision to draft a new constitution, reflecting the delegates' desire for a more unified and powerful government.

The delegates also had a significant influence on the structure of the government. They debated and proposed various plans, with Madison's Virginia Plan and William Paterson's New Jersey Plan being the most notable. The Virginia Plan, which called for a bicameral legislature with proportional representation, formed the basis for the new government. The delegates' influence is evident in the final structure, which included a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a judicial branch, creating a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch became too powerful.

Additionally, the delegates played a crucial role in addressing the issue of representation. Large states argued for more representation in Congress, while small states sought equal representation. The delegates reached a compromise, known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise, which granted equal representation to each state in the Senate and representation based on population in the House of Representatives. This compromise ensured that the interests of both large and small states were considered.

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The delegates' compromises

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention, reached several compromises during the course of their debates. One of the most significant compromises, known as the "Great Compromise" or the "Connecticut Compromise", resolved the issue of representation in Congress. The small states wanted each state to have the same number of representatives, while the big states argued for representation based on population. The compromise was to have one house of Congress (the House of Representatives) based on population, with each state having at least one representative, and for each state to have two senators in the other house (the Senate) regardless of population. This compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, created a bicameral legislative branch, ensuring a balance of power between the two houses.

Another major compromise was reached on the issue of slavery. The delegates who strongly opposed slavery realised that pressing the issue would make it impossible for the states to unite. They agreed to a compromise with the Southern states, conceding that Congress could not tax exports and that no law could be passed to ban the slave trade until 1808. Additionally, the delegates approved a fugitive slave clause, requiring that any person "held to Service of Labour in one State" who escapes to another state "shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due". This clause was later eliminated with the abolition of slavery.

The delegates also debated the role of the executive, including the powers of the President, the method of election, term limits, and impeachable offences. One of the last issues to be resolved was the selection of the President, with most delegates agreeing that the House of Representatives should choose the President as it most closely reflected the will of the people. However, delegates from smaller states disagreed, believing this would put them at a disadvantage. A compromise was reached, with the Convention agreeing that the House would elect the President if no candidate received a majority in the electoral college, and each state delegation would vote as a bloc.

The delegates also discussed the selection of judges, with some proposing that the President appoint judges with the "advice and consent" of the Senate, while others argued for Senate appointment of judges. A compromise was proposed by Madison, suggesting that the President appoint judges but that the Senate could veto an appointment by a two-thirds majority. This proposal did not gain support, and the delegates ultimately affirmed that the Senate would appoint judges.

The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, brought together 55 delegates from 12 states to debate and ultimately ratify the Constitution of the United States. These delegates, including James Madison of Virginia and Alexander Hamilton of New York, played a crucial role in shaping the country's system of government and addressing the diverse interests and concerns of the states.

The delegates' legacy

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, left a significant legacy in American history. The convention, which took place from May to September 1787, resulted in the creation of a new system of government and the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

The delegates, including prominent figures such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, brought a range of experiences and perspectives to the convention. The average age of the delegates was 42, and four of the most influential delegates—Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouverneur Morris, and James Madison—were in their thirties. Many of the delegates had served in the Continental Congress, helped draft state constitutions, or served in the Confederation Congress.

One of the key legacies of the delegates was their decision to set aside the Articles of Confederation and create a new constitution. This decision reflected a recognition that a stronger national government was needed to address the young country's problems effectively. The delegates debated various proposals, such as the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, before agreeing on a general blueprint for a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Another important aspect of the delegates' legacy was their establishment of a bicameral legislative branch, which provided for equal representation for each state in the Senate and representation based on population in the House of Representatives. This "Great Compromise," also known as the Connecticut Compromise, addressed the concerns of small states that feared being overshadowed by larger states.

The delegates also addressed issues such as nationality requirements for officeholders and the process for amending and ratifying the Constitution. They agreed that senators would need to be citizens for nine years, representatives for seven years, and the president must be native-born to be eligible. Additionally, they established that nine of the thirteen states would need to vote to ratify an amendment for it to become law.

The work of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention laid the foundation for the modern system of government in the United States, shaping the country's political landscape and influencing its future direction. Their contributions and compromises continue to resonate in American politics and governance.

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