Simone Lawson
George Washington was the first person to sign the United States Constitution. He was also the president of the Constitutional Convention, commander-in-chief of the American Revolutionary Army, and the first president of the United States. Washington's role in the founding of the American Republic was pivotal, as he was involved in both military matters and the issues of governing. He presided over intense and lengthy debates about the future of the United States, facilitating an atmosphere of compromise that allowed for the creation of a new government. While Washington did not make many public statements about the Constitution, his private letters reveal his support for it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Was George Washington the first person to sign the Constitution? | Yes, George Washington was the first person to sign the Constitution. |
| George Washington's role in the creation of the Constitution | George Washington was the president of the Federal Constitutional Convention. He presided over intense and lengthy debates and facilitated an atmosphere of compromise. He also wrote a letter to accompany the Constitution, expressing his support for it. |
| Number of signatures on the Constitution | 39 out of 55 delegates signed the Constitution. |
| Date of signing the Constitution | September 17, 1787 |
| Location of signing the Constitution | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington's role in the founding of the American Republic
George Washington played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic, both in military matters and in the issues of governing. He was the commander in chief of the American Revolutionary Army and the first president of the United States.
In the spring and summer before the Constitutional Convention, Washington spent months presiding over intense and lengthy debates about the future of the United States. He carefully mediated these discussions, facilitating an atmosphere that allowed for the compromises necessary to create the new government. He was then elected unanimously as president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Though he rarely spoke during the debates, his presence lent an air of gravity to the proceedings.
Washington's support for the Constitution was considered a major asset to Federalists who argued for its ratification. He wrote a letter on September 17, 1787, as president of the Convention to the president of Congress, stating 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." This letter was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. Washington also wrote to Charles Carter of Virginia, concluding a letter on farming matters with a brief expression of his opinion on the Constitution. He indicated that he believed the document to be the best possible for the time and praised its ability to be amended.
Washington's commitment to civil liberties, particularly religious freedom, is also notable. In a letter seeking workers for his estate in 1784, he wrote, "If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe. They may be Momometans, Jews or Christians of any Sect, or they may be Atheists." He also issued an order to Colonel Benedict Arnold in 1775, stating that his army was "to avoid all Disrespect to or Contempt of the Religion of a Country by ridiculing any of its Ceremonies or affronting its ministers or Votaries."
As the first president of the United States, Washington's cabinet became a consulting and advisory body. He restricted cabinet discussions to topics of his choosing and expected department heads to agreeably carry out his decisions. He also nominated the first members of the Supreme Court and other federal judicial officials, basing his decisions on geographic location, support for the new constitution, and past relevant experience.
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Washington's support for the Constitution
George Washington was the first person to sign the United States Constitution, and his support for the document was a significant boost to the Federalists who argued for its ratification. Washington's role in the founding of the American Republic was pivotal, and he was involved in both military matters and the issues of governing.
Washington was elected unanimously as president of the Constitutional Convention, and his presence lent an air of gravity to the proceedings. He presided over intense and lengthy debates, carefully mediating and facilitating an atmosphere that allowed for the compromises necessary to create the new government. He did not speak often, but his opinions were the subject of much speculation. In a letter to Alexander Hamilton, he wrote, "I almost despair of seeing a favorable issue to the proceedings of our convention and do therefore repent having any agency in the business." However, he lent his prestige to the work of the other delegates, lobbying many to support the ratification of the Constitution.
Washington's commitment to civil liberties, especially religious freedom, was notable. In a letter seeking workers for his estate in 1784, he wrote, "If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe. They may be Momometans, Jews or Christians of any Sect, or they may be Atheists." He also issued orders to his troops to respect the religions of other countries and avoid any disrespect or contempt.
As the first president of the United States under its new constitution, Washington played a crucial role in the country's early years, shaping its government and policies. He was sympathetic to a Federalist form of government and supported Hamilton's agenda, which resulted in bitter controversy. He also dealt with domestic issues such as the planning of a permanent capital, the passage of constitutional amendments, and debates over slavery and expansion into Native American territory.
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Washington's letter to the President of the Continental Congress
George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the American Revolutionary Army, played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic. He was elected president of the Federal Constitutional Convention and was the first to sign the United States Constitution, followed by the other delegates.
> "The Constitution, which we now present, is the result of a spirit of amity and of that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable."
This letter was of utmost importance as it conveyed Washington's support for the Constitution, which made it difficult for Antifederalists to explain their opposition to its ratification. Washington's private letters also revealed his backing of the Constitution, and he even lent his prestige to the work of other delegates, lobbying many to support its ratification.
Washington's role in the creation of the United States Constitution and the establishment of the national government is well-documented in his meticulously maintained records, including his correspondence, diaries, and journals. His presence at the Constitutional Convention lent an air of gravity to the proceedings, and his willingness to sign the Constitution was a significant advantage for Federalists advocating for its ratification.
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Washington's signature near the right margin of the page
George Washington's signature occupies a unique place in the history of the United States Constitution. Washington, as president of the Constitutional Convention, signed first among the 39 delegates who endorsed the document. His signature appears near the right margin of the page, and when the delegates ran out of space, they began a second column of signatures to the left.
The Constitutional Convention, comprising 55 delegates, met in Philadelphia in 1787. The convention witnessed intense and lengthy debates over the future of the United States, with Washington playing a crucial mediating role. Washington himself did not speak very often, but his presence lent an air of gravity to the proceedings. His support for the Constitution was a significant advantage for Federalists advocating for its ratification.
Washington's private letters reveal his backing for the Constitution, although he made few public statements on the matter. In his correspondence, he praised the document's provision for amendments, acknowledging that it had some imperfections. He also believed that the Constitution that emerged from the convention was the best possible for the time.
Washington's signature on the Constitution carries symbolic weight, given his role as the first president of the United States under the new Constitution. His involvement in the founding of the American Republic extended beyond the military to the issues of governing. Washington's commitment to civil liberties, especially religious freedom, is also reflected in his writings.
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Washington's presidency of the Convention
George Washington was the president of the Convention that debated and ultimately signed the United States Constitution. Washington was initially reluctant to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, but eventually agreed due to persistent pressure from several prominent individuals, including James Madison. Once there, he was unanimously chosen as the Convention's president.
Washington's careful mediation helped facilitate an atmosphere that allowed for the compromises necessary to create the new government. He said little during the debates, but his opinions were the subject of much speculation. He supported the adoption of the Constitution, and his private letters reveal that he believed it was the best possible option at the time and praised the document for being amendable. He wrote to Charles Carter of Stafford County, Virginia:
> "I see nothing exceptionable in the proposed amendments. Some of them, in my opinion, are importantly necessary, others, though in themselves (in my conception) not very essential, are necessary to quiet the fears of some respectable characters and well-meaning Men. Upon the whole, therefore, not foreseeing any evil consequences that can result from their adoption, they have my wishes for a favourable reception in both houses."
Washington's support for the Constitution was a major asset to Federalists who argued for its ratification. He wrote a letter on 17 September 1787 as president of the Convention to the president of Congress, which was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In it, he stated:
> "The Constitution, which we now present, is 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 signature appears first on the document, followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, George Washington, as president of the Convention, signed the United States Constitution first.
39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution, including John Dickinson, who was ill and authorized George Read to sign his name by proxy. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, also signed the document to authenticate some corrections.
George Washington was the president of the Federal Constitutional Convention and the first president of the United States. He played a crucial role in the lengthy and intense debates that led to the creation of the Constitution, mediating and facilitating an atmosphere of compromise. He also supported the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and his support was used by Federalists to advocate for its ratification.
