Malcolm Rivera
The US Constitution was written in 1787 by a group of Founding Fathers who came from various age groups, providing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The average age of the delegates was 42, with some, like Benjamin Franklin, in their advanced years at 81, while others, like Alexander Hamilton, were in their early thirties at 32. The combination of youthful energy and older wisdom helped shape the Constitution into the enduring document it is today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average age of the delegates | 42 years |
| Age of the oldest delegate, Benjamin Franklin | 81 years |
| Age of George Washington | 55 years |
| Age of James Madison | 36 years |
| Age of Alexander Hamilton | 32 years |
| Age of Thomas Jefferson | 44 years |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington was 55 years old
The Founding Fathers who participated in writing the United States Constitution came from a variety of age groups, providing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, saw delegates gather to create a new governing document. George Washington, who was 55 at the time, was among the older delegates.
Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the first of six children born to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. His father was a justice of the peace and a prominent public figure. Washington did not have a close relationship with his father, who died in 1743 when he was just 11 years old. As the oldest of his mother's children, he helped her manage the family's Rappahannock River plantation. Washington did not receive a formal education like his older half-brothers, who attended school in England. Instead, he was educated by private tutors and possibly a local school in Fredericksburg.
Washington's early career was as a surveyor. In 1749, at the age of 17, he took the oath of office as surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. By 1752, he had bought almost 1,500 acres in the Shenandoah Valley and owned 2,315 acres. In 1753, at the age of 21, he embarked on the Allegheny Expedition, a 900-mile journey to deliver a message to the French, demanding they leave the area. This expedition established Washington's international reputation.
Washington went on to become the first president of the United States and is often called the "Father of His Country." He commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783 and played a crucial role in shaping the country's early history. His leadership experience as a military general and his contribution to the Constitutional Convention at the age of 55 were significant moments in his influential life.
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Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old
The United States Constitution was written by a group of men known as the Founding Fathers, who came from a range of age groups and diverse backgrounds. Benjamin Franklin, one of the most prominent Founding Fathers, was 81 years old at the time of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This made him the oldest delegate present.
Franklin was a publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat who was perhaps the most-quoted public figure of his generation. He is known for his sayings or "proverbs" published in Poor Richard's Almanack and his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin's wisdom and experience as an older delegate contributed to the dynamic and robust debates that shaped the Constitution.
One of Franklin's most well-known quotes, "a penny saved is a penny earned", is believed to be a combination of two of his proverbs. However, Franklin's involvement with the Constitution also produced memorable quotes. In a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in November 1789, Franklin wrote about the Constitution's ratification and the start of a new government under it. He famously stated, "Our new Constitution is now established, and it seems to promise durability; but in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."
The diversity in age and experiences among the Founding Fathers enriched the debates and decisions made during the framing of the Constitution. The combination of youthful energy and older wisdom allowed for a broad range of perspectives to be considered, contributing to the enduring nature of the document.
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James Madison was 36 years old
The writers of the US Constitution came from a range of age groups, reflecting the broad range of perspectives and experiences they brought to the table. The average age of the signers was around 44 years old, while the average age of the delegates was 42 years old. The ages of the Founding Fathers at the time of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 varied significantly, with Benjamin Franklin being the oldest delegate at 81 years old.
James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," was 36 years old when he helped draft this enduring document. Madison's extensive reading on government significantly influenced his ideas during the Constitutional Convention. His youthfulness and energy contributed unique viewpoints that shaped the Constitution, alongside his crucial role in the drafting process.
The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, brought together delegates from different generations to create a new governing document. The combination of youth and age enriched the debates and decisions, resulting in a dynamic and robust discussion. Madison, at 36, was one of the influential delegates in their thirties, alongside Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, and Gouverneur Morris.
The diverse ages of the Founding Fathers, including Madison at 36, contributed to the range of knowledge and experiences represented during the framing of the Constitution. This mix of ages and perspectives helped shape the Constitution and ensured that it has endured for over two centuries.
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Alexander Hamilton was 32 years old
The writers of the United States Constitution were the Founding Fathers, who came from a variety of age groups, providing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, and the average age of the delegates was 42.
Despite this, Hamilton played a significant role in the creation and ratification of the Constitution. He authored 51 of the 85 installments of The Federalist Papers, which were instrumental in securing the ratification of the Constitution by the states. Hamilton's ideas and proposals, such as a strong federal government with taxation powers and a sound monetary policy, shaped the foundation of the United States government.
Hamilton's economic prowess was particularly notable. He proposed the creation of a federal bank and the assumption of state debts by the federal government, solidifying America's economic footing and preparing it for a prosperous future. Hamilton's contributions to the Constitution and his service as the first US Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington demonstrated his invaluable service to his nation.
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Thomas Jefferson was 44 years old
Jefferson was a philhellene, a lover of Greek culture, who sympathized with the Greek War of Independence. He advised Greek scholar Adamantios Korais on building the political system of Greece, using examples from the American governmental system. Jefferson's philosophical instructions were welcomed by the Greek people.
Jefferson was also the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed on August 2, 1776. He was also the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the father of the University of Virginia. He was a prolific writer, demonstrating his knowledge of the philosophical literature of his day and of antiquity.
Jefferson's correspondence with James Madison, often referred to as the
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Frequently asked questions
George Washington was 55 years old when the Constitution was written.
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when the Constitution was written, making him the oldest delegate.
Alexander Hamilton was 32 years old when the Constitution was written, making him the youngest delegate.
The average age of the writers of the Constitution was around 42 to 44 years old.
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