Malcolm Rivera
George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, was 55 years old when the US Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787. Washington played a significant role in the creation of the Constitution, as he was elected unanimously to preside over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he worked with delegates to draft and ratify the document. Washington's leadership, prestige, and status as a war hero contributed to the legitimacy and importance of the convention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| George Washington's Age | 57 years old |
| Date of Birth | 22 February 1732 |
| Constitution Ratified | 21 June 1788 |
| Event | Ratification of the United States Constitution |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Signatories | 39 delegates from 12 states |
| Significance | Established the world's first lasting federal constitutional republic |
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What You'll Learn
- George Washington was 55 years old when the Constitution was ratified
- Washington was born on February 22, 1732
- He was unanimously elected president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia
- Washington supported the ratification of the Constitution
- He became the first president of the United States under the new Constitution
George Washington was 55 years old when the Constitution was ratified
Washington's military career began as a surveyor and plantation owner. He rose to become the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, leading the colonies to victory and independence from Britain. After the war, he retired to his home at Mount Vernon but was soon called back into public service due to his popularity and respected status.
By the mid-1780s, it became evident to Washington and other nationalists that the Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, were inadequate. The country was on the brink of collapse due to disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade. Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts in 1786 further emphasised the need for a stronger central government.
In 1787, Washington was elected unanimously to preside over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, tasked with creating a new constitution. He played a crucial role in the convention, lending his prestige to the proceedings and lobbying for the ratification of the new Constitution. On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution, marking a significant step towards establishing a more robust and unified national government.
Washington's support for the Constitution was influential. While he did not make many public statements, his private letters revealed his endorsement. Federalists often used his image and signature on the document to urge others to accept it. Washington's leadership and presence were essential in the creation and ratification of the Constitution, shaping the future of the young nation.
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Washington was born on February 22, 1732
George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, was 55 years old when the US Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787. Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, was instrumental in the American Revolution and the subsequent creation of the US Constitution.
Washington was born in Popes Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He was the first of six children, and his father was a justice of the peace and a prominent public figure. The family moved to a plantation in Little Hunting Creek in 1735 before settling at Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1738. When Washington's father died in 1743, he inherited Ferry Farm and ten slaves.
Washington's leadership qualities and hero status made him a pivotal figure in the struggle to create a strong national republican government. He was chosen to lead the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, but he initially declined due to concerns about the convention's legality. However, he was eventually persuaded to attend, and his presence lent legitimacy to the proceedings. Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention, and he worked closely with delegates such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to draft and ratify the Constitution.
Washington's support for the Constitution was crucial in gaining public acceptance. While he did not make many public statements, his private letters revealed his endorsement of the document. His letter of September 17, 1787, as president of the Convention, was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In this letter, Washington expressed his support for the spirit of amity and mutual deference that led to the creation of the Constitution.
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He was unanimously elected president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was 55 years old when the US Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787.
Washington was unanimously elected president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787. He was nominated by Benjamin Franklin, and his election was greeted with enthusiasm by the delegates, who saw his presence as a sign of the convention's importance and legitimacy. Washington, however, was modest about his qualifications to preside over the convention and apologised for any errors he might make during the proceedings.
Washington's role as president of the convention was largely ceremonial. He spoke little during debates, and his opinions on the plans and compromises under discussion were the subject of much speculation. He did, however, lend his prestige to the work of the other delegates, lobbying many to support the ratification of the Constitution.
Washington's support for the Constitution was important to the Federalists, who used his image and signature to promote ratification. His private letters also reveal his support for the Constitution, though he did not make a public statement on it. One exception was his letter of September 17, 1787, addressed to the president of Congress, which was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In it, Washington wrote 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."
Washington's role in the creation of the US Constitution was significant. He worked closely with James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who shared his concerns about the young country's stability under the Articles of Confederation. Washington's leadership, hero status, and dignified manner made him a unifying figure capable of guiding the country toward a stronger national government.
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Washington supported the ratification of the Constitution
George Washington was 55 years old when the US Constitution was ratified in 1787. He played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic, involving himself in military matters and issues of governance.
Washington was unanimously elected president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. He rarely participated in the debates, but he ensured that delegates remained open to compromise to achieve a stronger national government. As president of the convention, his leadership prompted delegates to envision an executive with wide-ranging powers.
Washington actively supported the ratification of the Constitution. He wrote letters to political leaders across the nation urging them to support it, arguing that it would establish a stronger central government with the power to tax, addressing a significant weakness under the Articles of Confederation. He also sent copies of the document to influential figures, including Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, seeking their backing.
In his private correspondence, Washington expressed a clear desire for the Constitution to be adopted, acknowledging that while it had imperfections, it included a viable method for future corrections. He aligned himself with younger political leaders who supported the Constitution, such as James Madison, and defended it against critics.
Washington's support carried significant weight, and Federalists frequently invoked his endorsement to encourage others to accept the Constitution. His signature on the document and his influence contributed to its eventual ratification.
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He became the first president of the United States under the new Constitution
George Washington was 57 years old when the US Constitution was ratified in 1787. He was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Washington played a key role in the creation of the Constitution. He was elected unanimously to preside over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Washington's presence lent legitimacy to the convention and he supported the creation of a new constitution and a sovereign national government. He also lobbied many to support the ratification of the Constitution.
Washington became the first president of the United States under the new Constitution. He was a natural choice to lead the country due to his stalwart leadership, hero status, and dignified manner. He was also the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, leading the charge for American independence. As the first president, Washington performed many "firsts", including the appointment of federal officials and the first members of the Supreme Court. He established a precedent of selfless service and moral integrity in the American armed forces.
During his first term, Washington dealt with domestic issues such as the planning of a permanent capital, the passage of constitutional amendments including the Bill of Rights, and debates concerning slavery and expansion into Native American territory. He also appointed his cabinet, which became a consulting and advisory body. He restricted cabinet discussions to topics of his choosing and expected department heads to carry out his decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
George Washington was 55 years old when the Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787.
George Washington was the president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was unanimously elected to preside over the meeting. He worked with the delegates for over a year to create and ratify the Constitution.
The Constitutional Convention was a meeting of state delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution. It assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787.
George Washington helped pave the way for the Federal Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he sat as presiding officer while the new constitution was written. He also signed the Constitution.
