The Constitution's Longevity: Washington's Expectations And Reality

George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution, which has endured for over 200 years since its signing on September 17, 1787. Washington, who was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention, shared concerns about the young country's stability and the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution. He worked to unite the delegates and forge consensus, using his commanding presence to navigate conflicts between individual states and create an atmosphere conducive to compromise. While there is no evidence that Washington expected the Constitution to last 200 years, his influence was instrumental in shaping its provisions and securing the compromises necessary for its formation.

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George Washington's influence on the Constitution

Washington's role was that of a mediator, as he worked to forge consensus and demanded complete secrecy during the controversial task of revising the Articles of Confederation. He also helped shape various provisions of the Constitution and secure the compromises that kept the Convention on track. Washington's influence extended beyond the Convention, as Federalists urged others to accept the Constitution because of his support, and his private letters revealed his support for it.

In a letter to James Madison on November 30, 1785, Washington expressed his concern about the lack of unity in the country, writing, "We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a National character to support—If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it...". This sentiment guided his efforts to unify the delegates and shape the Constitution.

Washington's influence is also evident in the executive branch of the Constitution, as everyone presumed he would become the new government's first executive. His presence and expected role in leading the resulting government influenced the delegates' decisions and shaped the outcome of the Convention.

The Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, has endured for more than 200 years, and Washington's leadership and support were crucial in its creation and subsequent adoption.

Washington's concerns about the Articles of Confederation

George Washington, along with other Americans, had witnessed several crises during the early years of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. In a letter to Virginia governor Benjamin Harrison in 1784, Washington described the government as "a half-starved, limping Government, that appears to be always moving upon crutches, & tottering at every step."

The Articles of Confederation were enacted during the American War for Independence to coordinate the war effort and organise the emergent American states into a loose political union. However, the revolutionaries' fear of powerful central governments inadvertently created an obstacle for the nation after the war ended. The Articles' limitations became apparent as the young country struggled to function effectively.

By 1786, John Jay, a prominent American, confided in Washington that he felt "uneasy and apprehensive—more so, than during the War," due to the national government's weakness. This sentiment was shared by many, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who, along with Washington, feared that their country was on the brink of collapse.

The concerns about the Articles of Confederation led to calls for revision and eventually resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution in 1787, which established a stronger federal government.

Washington's leadership during the convention

George Washington's leadership during the Constitutional Convention was instrumental in uniting the delegates and the new nation behind the idea of a new federal government. Initially, Washington was not interested in being a part of politics and had declined invitations to attend the convention. However, his contemporaries, including James Madison and General Henry Knox, an old military partner of Washington's, persuaded him to attend.

Washington's leadership was crucial in guiding the 55 state delegates who gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to fiercely debate the future of the United States. He was unanimously elected as the president of the convention, a role he carried out in a mostly nonpartisan manner. Washington oversaw debates between differing opinions, ensured order, and worked to forge consensus among the delegates. He demanded complete secrecy as the delegates embarked on the controversial task of not just revising the Articles of Confederation but scrapping them altogether.

Washington's respect and trust accumulated during the war also played a significant role in his leadership during the convention. He rose above conflicts between individual states, creating an atmosphere that allowed convention members to reach the compromises necessary to establish a bold, new government. His belief in the need for a strong central government to maintain order and ensure prosperity in the new nation influenced the delegates' discussions.

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The Constitution's endurance and amendments

The endurance of the US Constitution can be attributed to its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the nation through amendments. The Constitution has endured for over 200 years, with only minor tweaks, despite the challenges and changes that have occurred in American society.

The creation of the US Constitution was a lengthy and complex process. The Philadelphia Convention, which began on May 25, 1787, was tasked with drafting the Constitution. General George Washington, who had led American troops during the Revolution, was unanimously elected president of the convention. The delegates to the convention, including Washington, were aware of the challenges of creating a new government, having experienced the difficulties of the Revolutionary War and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

One of the key concerns during the drafting process was the protection of individual liberties. George Mason, a delegate to the convention, bitterly opposed the idea of a strong central authority without a "bill of rights" guaranteeing individual freedoms. Despite his objections, the convention voted down his proposal for a new convention to reconsider the formation of the government. However, the idea of a bill of rights persisted, and it became one of the last major unresolved issues.

The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was ratified on December 15, 1791, after being approved by Congress in late 1789. These amendments addressed concerns over individual liberties and rights, which were not adequately spelled out in the original document. The process of amending the Constitution has continued over the years, with 27 amendments in total, some taking only a few months to ratify, while others have taken much longer.

The endurance of the Constitution can be attributed to its ability to adapt and change through the amendment process. The amendments have allowed the nation to address issues of individual rights, such as women's suffrage with the 19th Amendment, and to limit presidential power with the 22nd Amendment. The Constitution's endurance is a testament to the founding fathers' ability to create a flexible framework that could be built upon and adapted to the changing needs of the nation.

The signing of the Constitution

The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, was an extraordinary achievement. The delegates, tasked with revising the existing government, came up with a completely new one. Wary of centralised power and loyal to their states, they created a powerful central government. Representing a wide range of interests and views, they crafted compromises that laid the foundation for a bold, new government.

The Constitutional Convention, which began in May 1787, was marked by intense debates and disagreements between passionate federalists and anti-federalists. One of the major unresolved problems was the method of electing the executive. George Mason, for instance, bitterly complained that he "would sooner chop off his right hand than put it to the Constitution as it now stands." He was concerned about the absence of a "bill of rights" that ensured individual liberties. Despite such opposition, the delegates managed to reach a consensus, thanks in large part to the commanding presence and leadership of George Washington, who was unanimously elected president of the convention. Washington, who had initially expressed concern about the lack of unity among Americans, helped forge an atmosphere that allowed convention members to reach the necessary compromises.

During the convention, a Committee of Detail was appointed to draw up a draft constitution. Nathaniel Gorham of Massachusetts, John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, James Wilson, and Oliver Ellsworth were part of this committee. The other delegates took a 10-day break during which the committee worked on the draft.

The Constitution, born out of four months of intense debate, has been tweaked by 27 amendments since its adoption. The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments, became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. The United States Constitution, one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world, has enjoyed a serene existence, remaining in excellent physical condition even after more than 200 years.

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