Omar Bennett
George Washington played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic and the creation of the United States Constitution. He presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which led to the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall. Washington's careful mediation and leadership helped facilitate an atmosphere of compromise, which was necessary for the creation of a new government. As president of the Convention, he was the first to sign the Constitution, followed by 38 other delegates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 September 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of Signatures | 39 |
| Role of George Washington | Founding Father, President of the Convention, first signatory |
| Washington's Signature Placement | Right margin of the page |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington's signature is the first on the US Constitution
Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention as its president, helping to facilitate an atmosphere of compromise that was necessary for the creation of the new government. He was a crucial force in the process, having been chosen to lead the Virginia delegation. His signature on the cover letter and resolutions assured they would command attention.
In his private correspondence, Washington expressed a desire to see the Constitution adopted, praising the amendment provision that provided a viable method of correcting problems that might become apparent after its implementation. Federalists used Washington's image and support to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, and his signature on a letter to the president of Congress—written by Gouverneur Morris but signed by Washington—was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed.
Washington's signature on the US Constitution is a testament to his key role in the founding of the American Republic and his commitment to creating a bold, new government that laid the foundation for a more perfect union.
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Washington's role in the creation of the US Constitution
George Washington played an indispensable role in the creation of the US Constitution. He was a crucial force in the intense and lengthy debates over the future of the United States, carefully mediating and facilitating an atmosphere that allowed for the compromises necessary to create a bold, new government. Washington's commanding presence and influence carried the government and helped shape various provisions of the Constitution.
Washington was initially reluctant to get involved in politics, but he eventually presided over the Constitutional Convention as its president, a role to which he was unanimously elected. In this position, he worked to forge consensus among the passionate Federalists and Anti-Federalists, demanding complete secrecy as the delegates embarked on the controversial task of not just revising the Articles of Confederation but scrapping them altogether. Washington's careful mediation and ability to rise above conflicts between individual states were key to creating the atmosphere needed for convention members to reach the necessary compromises.
In his private correspondence, Washington expressed a desire to see the Constitution adopted, acknowledging that it had some imperfections. He praised the amendment provision, which provided a method for correcting problems that might become apparent after its implementation. Washington's support for the Constitution was used by Federalists to advocate for its ratification, and his signature on the cover letter and resolutions assured they would command attention. His signature, written in a bold, large hand, was the first and largest of all 39 signers, further emphasising his support and influence.
Washington's influence extended beyond his role in the Constitutional Convention. Years before, he had expressed concern about the lack of unity in the country and the need for a united front. He had also envisioned a national government with separate legislative, judicial, and executive branches, ideas that would later be reflected in the structure of the US government. Washington's indispensable role as commander-in-chief during the Revolutionary War and his subsequent role as the first president under the US Constitution further solidified his influence and impact on the young nation.
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The date Washington signed the Constitution
George Washington played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic. He was involved in military matters as well as the issues of governing. Washington presided over the convention that drafted the Constitution and carefully mediated the intense and lengthy debates over the future of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, George Washington signed the Constitution of the United States. He was the first to sign the document, writing in a bold, large hand: "Go: Washington, Presidt and Deputy from Virginia." Following Washington, the other 38 delegates (or 39, according to some sources) added their signatures to the Constitution, which was the result of four months of fierce debate.
The signing of the Constitution took place on a Monday, two days after the state delegates had approved the draft on September 15. Jacob Shallus, the assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, engrossed (transcribed) the document in around 40 hours, for which he was paid $30.
Washington's signature on the Constitution was significant. As the leader of the founding fathers, his endorsement carried weight and made it difficult for Antifederalists to explain their opposition to ratification. In addition to signing the Constitution, Washington also signed a letter to the President of the Continental Congress, Arthur St. Clair, stating that the Constitution was the result of "a spirit of amity and of that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable."
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The location where Washington signed the Constitution
George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution. He was elected president of the convention that drafted the Constitution and was a driving force behind the intense and lengthy debates that took place during the spring and summer of 1787. Washington's careful mediation helped facilitate an atmosphere of compromise, which was necessary for the creation of a new government.
The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking the culmination of four months of fierce debates and deliberations. Independence Hall, formerly known as the Pennsylvania State House, holds historical significance as the same place where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
On that momentous day, a group of men, including Washington, gathered in a closed meeting room to endorse the Constitution. Of the 41 men present, 39 delegates representing 12 states signed the document, with George Read signing on behalf of the absent John Dickinson. The delegates' signatures served as an endorsement and included a declaration that their work had been successfully completed.
The signing ceremony was preceded by a speech from Benjamin Franklin, who, despite his reservations about certain parts of the Constitution, strongly endorsed it. Franklin's speech, read by James Wilson due to Franklin's poor health, acknowledged the imperfections of the document but argued for its acceptance. He recognized the challenges inherent in assembling a group of individuals with diverse opinions and interests and emphasized the need for compromise.
The original signed Constitution is now housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where it stands as a testament to the foundational moment in the history of the United States.
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The number of people who signed the Constitution alongside Washington
George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution. He signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He spent the spring and summer of that year presiding over intense and lengthy debates about the future of the United States, mediating and facilitating an atmosphere that allowed for the compromises necessary to create the new government.
Washington was the first to sign the Constitution, doing so in a bold, large hand reminiscent of John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence. He signed near the right margin of the page, and his signature was followed by those of 38 other delegates, for a total of 39 signatures. The signers' names were grouped by state, with the listing of states arranged geographically from north to south. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest to sign, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest.
The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long Constitutional Convention, which Washington also presided over as president. Seventy-four individuals were selected to attend the convention, but not all chose to attend, and several left before the signing ceremony. Of those who remained, three refused to sign. The delegates represented 12 of the 13 states, with Rhode Island refusing to send delegates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, George Washington signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the Constitution. He also played a key role in forging and framing the document.
Washington's signature on the cover letter and resolutions assured they would command attention. It made it seem as if the Constitution came from him, which was intended by its backers.
In private correspondence, Washington expressed a desire to see the Constitution adopted, praising the amendment provision. However, he publicly said or wrote little about his thoughts on the Constitution.
