Simone Lawson
The United States Constitution, which lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches are to function, was signed by 39 individuals in total. The ages of the signers varied, with the youngest being 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton and the oldest being 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair due to his infirmity. The average age of the delegates was 42, and it is worth noting that virtually every signer had participated in the Revolution, with at least 29 serving in the Continental forces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of individuals appointed to the Constitutional Convention | 70 |
| Number of delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention | 55 |
| Number of individuals who signed the Constitution | 39 |
| Age range of the delegates | 26-81 |
| Youngest delegate | Jonathan Dayton |
| Oldest delegate | Benjamin Franklin |
| Average age of the delegates | 42 |
| Number of influential delegates in their thirties | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
The youngest signer was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton
The signing of the United States Constitution was a historic event, with delegates ranging in age from the young Jonathan Dayton, at just 26 years old, to the elderly Benjamin Franklin, at 81. Dayton, the youngest signer, was born in 1769 or 1768 and went on to become a politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey. He was also the first Speaker of the House born after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Dayton's youth did not hinder his influence, as he played a significant role in shaping the Constitution. He was one of the 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention sessions, and his signature on the final document attested to his agreement with the unanimous consent of the states present. This was a carefully crafted strategy devised by Gouverneur Morris and presented by Franklin to ensure the support of critics and create a sense of common accord.
The Constitutional Convention, which concluded on September 17, 1787, was remarkable for the diversity of ages among its delegates. The average age of the delegates was 42, and while Dayton represented the youthful contingent, others, like Franklin, brought the wisdom and experience of age. Franklin, in particular, required assistance due to his advanced years, being carried to sessions in a sedan chair.
The young Dayton's participation in the Constitutional Convention and his signature on the final document attest to the energy and fresh perspectives that the younger generation brought to the formation of the nation's federal government. His involvement, alongside delegates of varying ages and backgrounds, contributed to the richness and inclusivity of the democratic process that shaped the United States of America.
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Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest
The signing of the US Constitution took place on September 17, 1787, and Franklin played a key role in the lead-up to this moment. He delivered an address, read by James Wilson, strongly endorsing the Constitution. He also proposed that the delegates sign as witnesses to the unanimous consent of the states, rather than on behalf of individual states. This was a strategic move to gain the support of critics and create a sense of common accord.
Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and his wisdom and experience were invaluable to the process of drafting and signing the Constitution. The average age of the delegates was 42, and it is notable that over half of them had graduated from college, with nine from Princeton and six from British universities. This suggests a high level of education and intellectual capacity among the group.
Franklin was not only the oldest signer of the Constitution but also the first signer to pass away, in April 1790. His life and contributions to the founding of the nation continue to be remembered and celebrated in American history.
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The average age of the delegates was 42
The signing of the United States Constitution was a momentous occasion in the country's history. The final draft, with its seven articles, a preamble, and a closing statement, was presented to the convention on September 12, 1787, marking a critical step toward establishing the nation's federal government and outlining the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Constitutional Convention witnessed a diverse group of delegates, both in terms of age and experience. The average age of the delegates was 42, reflecting a blend of youthful vigour and seasoned wisdom. Among the delegates, four influential figures stood out for their relatively young age: Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison, all of whom were in their thirties. These individuals brought fresh perspectives and energetic approaches to the proceedings.
The range of ages among the delegates is noteworthy. Jonathan Dayton, at 26, was the youngest signer of the Constitution, representing the new generation's voice in shaping the nation's future. On the other end of the spectrum was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, who, despite his infirmity, played a pivotal role in the convention. Franklin's address, endorsing the Constitution and proposing unanimous consent of the states, was a defining moment. His words, read by James Wilson, continue to resonate as a powerful appeal for unity and consensus.
The Constitutional Convention was a gathering of individuals with varied backgrounds and ages, all united by a common purpose: to shape the future of their nation. The average age of 42 highlights the blend of maturity and innovation that characterised the event. The combination of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience laid the foundation for a robust and enduring framework of government that continues to shape the United States today.
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Four influential delegates were in their 30s: Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison
The signing of the United States Constitution was a pivotal moment in history, and the age of the signers is an interesting aspect to consider. Among the delegates, four influential men in their 30s left an indelible mark on the document and, consequently, the future of the nation. These men were Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison, sometimes referred to as the "Founding Fathers."
Alexander Hamilton, the oldest of the four, was 34 years old when he signed the Constitution. He is widely known for his contributions to the economic policies of the early United States and for founding the nation's financial system. Hamilton played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention, advocating for a strong central government. He is also renowned for his influential writing, as most of the Federalist Papers, a collection of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution, were authored by him.
Edmund Randolph, then 33 years old, also made significant contributions to the Constitution. He served as the Governor of Virginia and the nation's first Attorney General. Randolph is particularly remembered for proposing the Virginia Plan, which became the basis for the Constitutional Convention's discussions. This plan advocated for a stronger central government and a new system of government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Gouvernor Morris, age 36, was a delegate from Pennsylvania. He is known for drafting the final version of the Constitution, carefully choosing words to ensure clarity and precision. Morris is also recognized for his proposal to begin the document with the famous phrase, "We the People," emphasizing the power of the people in forming the government. Apart from his contributions to the Constitution, Morris was also an inventor and designed a system of shorthand writing.
James Madison, the youngest of the four at 32 years old, is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution." He played a pivotal role in the Convention and is known for his detailed notes, which provide a comprehensive record of the debates and discussions that took place. Madison is also credited with drafting the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of American citizens. His influence extended beyond the founding era, as he later served as the fourth President of the United States.
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The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81
The signing of the United States Constitution was a historic event, remarkable not just for its content but also for the diversity of the delegates involved. The delegates' ages ranged from 26 to 81, with varying levels of experience and backgrounds.
Jonathan Dayton, at just 26 years old, was the youngest delegate to sign the Constitution. Dayton's youth did not deter him from making a significant contribution to the proceedings. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin, at 81, was the oldest signer. Franklin's advanced age did not diminish his influence, and he played a crucial role in the Convention. So infirm was Franklin that he had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Despite his physical limitations, Franklin delivered a powerful address, read by James Wilson, strongly endorsing the Constitution. Franklin's wisdom and experience were instrumental in gaining the support of critics and creating a sense of unity among the delegates.
The average age of the delegates was 42, and it is worth noting that four of the most influential delegates—Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouverneur Morris, and James Madison—were in their thirties. Morris, in particular, left an indelible mark on the Constitution. He crafted the ambiguous language of the concluding endorsement, intentionally designed to win over dissenting delegates and present a united front.
The Constitutional Convention brought together a diverse group of individuals, with a mix of youth and experience. This range of ages contributed to the richness of the debates and discussions that ultimately shaped the foundation of the nation's federal government and its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
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Frequently asked questions
The delegates who signed the US Constitution ranged in age from 26 to 81.
Jonathan Dayton was the youngest signer at 26 years old.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at 81 years old. Franklin was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair.
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