Founding Fathers: Delegates Who Drafted The Constitution

The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, was attended by 55 delegates, appointed by 12 of the 13 original states (all except Rhode Island). The delegates included notable figures such as James Madison, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton. The convention lasted four months, from May to September 1787, and resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution. The delegates debated and discussed various proposals, including the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, ultimately producing a document that established a new system of government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

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55 delegates attended the convention, 39 signed the Constitution

The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was attended by 55 delegates. These delegates had been appointed by the original 13 states, excluding Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates. The delegates ranged in age 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 convention was initially intended to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been America's first constitution. However, the delegates ended up creating a new constitution altogether. The Articles of Confederation had given the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it lacked enforcement powers, could not regulate commerce, and could not print money. This led to disputes between the states over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade, threatening to tear the young country apart.

Among the 55 delegates, there were several key players who had significant roles and contributions to the creation of the Constitution. George Washington, who was unanimously elected as the president of the convention, provided a sense of focus and direction. James Madison, known as the "father of the Constitution," came well-prepared for arguments against the creation of a new government. Alexander Hamilton helped convince Congress to organize the convention and, along with John Jay, later wrote the Federalist Papers with Madison to explain the significance of the Constitution.

In total, 39 delegates signed the Constitution. This included George Reed, who signed for John Dickinson of Delaware, bringing the total number of signatures to 39. The delegates who did not sign the Constitution included George Mason, who was concerned about the amount of power given to the federal government and the convention's unwillingness to end the slave trade. The creation of the Constitution was a remarkable achievement, resulting in one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world.

The convention took place in Philadelphia, May to September 1787

The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, was a pivotal event in American history. The convention was convened to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which had left the young nation on the brink of collapse. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington were among those who feared that disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade would tear the country apart.

The original states, except Rhode Island, appointed 70 individuals to the convention. However, several prominent figures, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, did not attend. In total, 55 delegates participated in the sessions, representing 12 states. The delegates ranged in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who had to be carried to the meetings in a sedan chair due to his infirmity.

The convention was marked by intense debates and disagreements, with delegates holding wildly different interests and views. Despite the sweltering summer heat, the windows of the meeting hall were nailed shut to ensure secrecy. The delegates discussed and voted on various proposals, including the controversial issue of slavery and its impact on representation calculations. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman, was a significant compromise that emerged from the convention. It suggested proportional representation in the House of Representatives based on population, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate.

The convention culminated in the creation of a new government and the ratification of the United States Constitution. On September 17, 1787, 38 delegates signed the Constitution, with George Reed signing on behalf of the absent John Dickinson of Delaware, bringing the total signatures to 39. The delegates' achievement in crafting a powerful central government and setting the terms for its ratification remains one of the most enduring and influential constitutions in the world.

The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81

The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was attended by 55 delegates. These delegates had been appointed by the original 13 states, excluding Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates. The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest delegate, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. Franklin was so infirm that he had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair.

The delegates had been tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation, which had been America's first constitution. However, they ended up creating a new constitution, as they believed that the existing government needed to be replaced. The delegates came from a range of backgrounds and held different interests and views. Despite their differences, they worked together to craft compromises and create a powerful central government.

The convention was fiery and intense, with debates centred around topics such as slavery, representation, and the role of government. The delegates' discussions and votes were kept secret, and the windows of the meeting hall were nailed shut to ensure privacy. The delegates also had the power to demand reconsideration of any decision previously voted on, allowing them to work towards consensus.

The final constitution was signed by 39 delegates, with George Reed signing on behalf of John Dickinson of Delaware, who was absent. The creation of the Constitution was a significant achievement and a pivotal moment in American history, resulting in a powerful central government and setting the terms for its ratification.

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Some prominent figures did not participate, including Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

The original 13 states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention. However, a number of these individuals did not accept or could not attend, including Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Jefferson was abroad in France, serving as a minister to the country. Meanwhile, Adams was in Britain, serving as a minister there. He did, however, write home to encourage the delegates.

Other notable figures who did not participate in the Constitutional Convention included Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and John Jay. Patrick Henry refused to participate because he "smelt a rat in Philadelphia, tending toward the monarchy." Many of the states' older and more experienced leaders may have been too busy with local affairs to attend the convention.

The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was a pivotal event in American history. The delegates, tasked with revising the existing government, ended up creating a new one. The convention debated and ratified the Constitution of the United States, and 39 delegates, ranging in age from 26 to 81, signed it.

Several key players at the convention contributed significantly to the creation of the Constitution. George Washington, elected unanimously as the president of the convention, provided a sense of focus and direction. James Madison, known as the "father of the Constitution," came well-prepared for arguments against the formation of a new government. Alexander Hamilton of New York was also a leading proponent of the convention, and he later collaborated with Madison and John Jay on the Federalist Papers, a series of essays explaining the significance of the Constitution.

The delegates elected George Washington as president of the convention

The original 13 states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention. However, a number of these individuals did not accept or could not attend, including Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. In total, 55 delegates attended the sessions of the Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787.

The delegates elected George Washington of Virginia, former commanding general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, and a proponent of a stronger national government, to serve as President of the convention. Washington, who was unanimously elected, oversaw the debate and helped realise his vision of a stronger union. While he originally did not want to be involved in the creation of the Constitution, his presence provided a sense of focus and direction.

The Constitutional Convention was initially intended to revise the existing Articles of Confederation and devise the first system of federal government. However, the delegates ultimately ended up creating a new government. The delegates came from a range of backgrounds and represented wildly different interests and views. They crafted compromises and created a powerful central government, marking a significant shift from the previous lack of enforcement powers, inability to regulate commerce, and print money.

The delegates debated and ratified the Constitution of the United States, making the convention one of the most significant events in American history. The final document, the Constitution, was signed by 39 individuals, with George Reed signing on behalf of John Dickinson of Delaware, who was absent.

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