Jonah Patel
The Framers of the Constitution, also known as the Founding Fathers, were the 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Of these 55 delegates, only 39 signed the Constitution. The Framers of the Constitution were responsible for drafting the Constitution of the United States and outlining their general goals in the Preamble, which included creating a just government, ensuring peace, and establishing a healthy, free nation. The group consisted of individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive political experience, including future presidents George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of framers appointed by the original states | 70 |
| Number of framers who attended the convention | 55 |
| Number of framers who signed the Constitution | 39 |
| Age range of framers | 26-81 |
| Youngest framer | Jonathan Dayton |
| Oldest framer | Benjamin Franklin |
| Notable framers | George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, John Adams, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, John Rutledge, William Clymer, William Richardson Davie, James McHenry, William Pierce |
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What You'll Learn
- delegates attended the convention, but only 39 signed the Constitution
- The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81
- The convention took place in Philadelphia in 1787
- The framers' general goals were outlined in the Constitution's preamble
- Notable framers include George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton
55 delegates attended the convention, but only 39 signed the Constitution
The Framers of the Constitution, also referred to as the Founding Fathers, were delegates to the Constitutional Convention, which was held in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. The original thirteen states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the convention. However, several of these individuals did not accept or were unable to attend, resulting in a total of 55 delegates in attendance.
The delegates represented a diverse range of backgrounds and professions. While most had prior experience in colonial and state government, their occupations varied from high to middle status. More than half of the delegates were trained lawyers, although only about a quarter practised law as their primary career. Other professions included merchants, manufacturers, shippers, land speculators, bankers, financiers, physicians, ministers, and farmers.
The delegates also varied in age, with the youngest being Jonathan Dayton at 26 years old, and the oldest being Benjamin Franklin at 81 years old. Franklin, due to his advanced age and infirmity, had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Despite their differences, the delegates shared a common goal: to create a just government and ensure peace, national defence, and a healthy, free nation.
Among the 55 delegates, only 39 actually signed the Constitution. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including early departures, absences, or disagreements with the final document. The signatures of the 39 signatories, however, solidified their commitment to the principles and ideals outlined in the Constitution, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the United States.
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The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81
The Framers of the Constitution, also referred to as the Founding Fathers, were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Of the 55 delegates, the ages ranged from 26 to 81. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest delegate in attendance. Dayton was described as a "young gentleman of talents, with an ambition to exert them". He was well-educated and a strong speaker, and despite an impetuous temperament, he was considered a valuable member of society.
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest delegate. Due to his infirmity, Franklin had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Despite his age, Franklin was known for his wisdom and diplomacy. He was one of the most notable Founding Fathers, alongside George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Roger Sherman.
The delegates' ages reflected a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The majority of the delegates had extensive political experience, with almost all having participated in the Revolution and four-fifths having served in the Continental Congress. Their ages also corresponded with a variety of occupations, with more than half trained as lawyers, and others including merchants, manufacturers, bankers, physicians, farmers, and more.
The Framers of the Constitution came from different backgrounds and brought a range of skills and knowledge to the task of drafting the Constitution. Their diverse ages, experiences, and perspectives contributed to the debates and compromises that ultimately shaped the United States Constitution.
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The convention took place in Philadelphia in 1787
The Constitutional Convention of 1787, held in Philadelphia, was a pivotal moment in American history, bringing together 55 delegates from the original states (except Rhode Island) to shape the nation's future. The convention was a diverse gathering of individuals, ranging in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate. These delegates, also known as the Framers of the Constitution or the Founding Fathers, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
The Founding Fathers included prominent figures such as George Washington, who presided over the convention, and James Madison, often regarded as the "Father of the Constitution" for his crucial role in drafting the document and promoting the Bill of Rights. Benjamin Franklin, the esteemed elder statesman, contributed his wisdom and diplomatic skills. Alexander Hamilton, a strong advocate for a central government, played a key role in authoring the Federalist Papers.
The convention also benefited from the insights of Roger Sherman, who proposed the Great Compromise, shaping the legislative structure, and James Wilson, who not only significantly contributed to drafting the Constitution but also advocated for the direct election of the President. Gouverneur Morris left an indelible mark on the Constitution by drafting the Preamble and a significant portion of the final text. These individuals, along with the other delegates, engaged in debates and compromises that ultimately forged the U.S. Constitution, setting the course for the country's governance and democratic principles.
The delegates to the convention were not just political theorists but individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds. More than half of them were lawyers, although only about a quarter had practised law as their primary career. The group also included merchants, manufacturers, shippers, land speculators, bankers, financiers, physicians, a minister, and several small farmers. This diversity of experiences and perspectives contributed to the richness and practicality of the ideas debated and the compromises reached during the convention.
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The framers' general goals were outlined in the Constitution's preamble
The Constitution of the United States was drafted by 55 delegates, or Framers, to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. However, only 39 of these Framers signed the Constitution. The Framers, often referred to as the Founding Fathers, had extensive political experience, with almost all having taken part in the Revolution and four-fifths having been in the Continental Congress.
The Framers' political experience and diverse professional backgrounds contributed to their ability to engage in debates and compromises that ultimately shaped the Constitution. For example, Alexander Hamilton advocated for a strong central government and was a key author of the Federalist Papers. Similarly, Roger Sherman proposed the Great Compromise, which helped shape the legislative structure of the Constitution.
The Framers' general goals, as outlined in the preamble, were also reflected in the specific provisions of the Constitution. For instance, the goal of ensuring peace and providing an adequate national defence is reflected in the Constitution's provisions for establishing a national military and declaring war. The goal of creating a just government is reflected in the Constitution's protections for individual rights and civil liberties.
Overall, the Framers' general goals, as outlined in the Constitution's preamble, were to establish a fair, peaceful, and secure nation, with a strong and effective government that protected the freedoms and well-being of its citizens. These goals continue to guide the interpretation and application of the Constitution to this day.
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Notable framers include George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton
The United States Constitution was drafted by 55 delegates, or framers, at the Constitutional Convention. Notable framers include George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.
George Washington was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and the first president of the United States. While Washington did not personally author any part of the Constitution, he is recognised for his role in leading the convention. Washington's experience in the war helped shape his views on the need for a strong central government, which influenced the Constitutional Convention's goal of strengthening the national government.
James Madison, often regarded as the "Father of the Constitution," played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Madison, a nationalist, was dissatisfied with the weak national government established by the Articles of Confederation, which led him to help organise the Constitutional Convention. Madison's theories advanced the rights and happiness of individuals, and he dedicated himself to the cause of civil and political liberty. He is also credited with developing the system of divided powers and checks and balances that makes the US government unique among republics.
Alexander Hamilton, a delegate from New York, was only 30 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention. Hamilton was an opponent of the Articles of Confederation and played a role in creating the Constitution, although his plan for a new form of government was not adopted. Nonetheless, he was instrumental in the Constitution's ratification and interpretation, collaborating with James Madison and John Jay on the Federalist Papers, a collection of 85 articles and essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 55 framers of the US Constitution.
No, only 39 of the 55 framers signed the Constitution.
The framers of the Constitution were delegates to the Constitutional Convention. They were also known as the Founding Fathers. Some of the most notable framers include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris.
The framers outlined their general goals in the Preamble to the Constitution: to create a just government and to ensure peace, an adequate national defense, and a healthy, free nation.
