Simone Lawson
The US Constitution has a rich history and is steeped in fascinating trivia. From its inception in 1787, it has been a cornerstone of American democracy, with over 11,000 amendments introduced and a day dedicated to its honour. The Constitution was crafted in the same hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and was signed by 39 of the 55 attending delegates. The original, handwritten document can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington, DC, and it remains the oldest and shortest written national constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of signing | Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall), Philadelphia |
| Date written | 1787 |
| Date signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Date ratified | 1788 |
| Date the government began operating under the Constitution | 1789 |
| Number of delegates attending the convention | 55 |
| Number of delegates who signed | 39 |
| Number of delegates who dissented | 3 |
| Founding Fathers who didn't sign | Thomas Jefferson, John Adams |
| Oldest delegate | Benjamin Franklin (81 years old) |
| Youngest delegate | Jonathon Dayton (26 years old) |
| Original location of the document | National Archives in Washington, D.C. |
| Number of amendments introduced in Congress | More than 11,000 |
| Number of amendments sent to states for ratification | 33 |
| Number of amendments approved by states | 27 |
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What You'll Learn
The oldest delegate, Benjamin Franklin, was 81
Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention. He was from Pennsylvania, and his presence at the Convention was significant given his advanced age and experience. Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and had a profound impact on the country's early history. He was a renowned polymath, known for his scientific discoveries and inventions, as well as his writings and political acumen.
Franklin's wisdom and stature among the Founding Fathers are well-documented. He played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause. Franklin's reputation and influence extended beyond the political realm, and he was highly regarded in scientific circles as well. He was an early member of the American Philosophical Society and served as its president from 1769 to 1770.
Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention were significant. He was a respected voice in the debates and discussions that shaped the final document. Despite his advanced age, Franklin remained active and engaged in the process, offering insights and ideas that reflected his deep understanding of the issues at hand. His presence at the Convention demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the founding of a new nation and his belief in the importance of establishing a strong and enduring framework for the United States.
Franklin's advanced age did not deter him from actively participating in the Convention's proceedings. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, drawing on his diverse interests and expertise. Franklin's insights were shaped by his scientific inquiries, his diplomatic experiences, and his deep understanding of the social and political landscape of the time. His contributions reflected a nuanced and holistic perspective, enriching the discussions and helping to shape the Constitution's enduring principles.
Benjamin Franklin's presence as the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention underscores the significance of his life's work and his enduring legacy. His participation exemplifies the dedication and wisdom that contributed to the creation of the United States Constitution, a document that continues to serve as the foundation of American government and democracy. Franklin's role in this pivotal moment in history highlights his unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, liberty, and the establishment of a just and representative political system.
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It's the oldest and shortest written national constitution
The US Constitution is the oldest written national constitution, drafted in 1787 and signed on 17 September that year. It was signed in the same Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The building still stands today on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
The Constitution was written behind locked doors guarded by sentries. Of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed, and 3 dissented. Two of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were not among the signatories as they were representing their country in France and Great Britain, respectively. Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest delegate, and Jonathon Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest.
The Constitution was ratified by the necessary nine states in 1788, and the government began operating under it in 1789. The first national "Thanksgiving Day" was established on 26 November 1789 by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution.
The original document is on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping during World War II after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
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It was signed in 1787, but not ratified until 1788
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. This is the same location where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. The Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 attending delegates, with two of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, absent as they were representing their country in France and Great Britain, respectively.
While the Constitution was signed in 1787, it was not ratified until 1788 when the necessary nine states approved it. The delay in ratification was due in part to concerns about the lack of a description of individual rights in the original document. This issue was addressed in 1791 with the addition of the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.
The U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest written national constitution still in use today. It established the framework for the American government, and its signing is commemorated annually on Constitution Day, which has been observed since 2004. The original document is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., having been temporarily moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping during World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
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The first national Thanksgiving Day honoured the Constitution
On November 26, 1789, the first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington as a day to give thanks for the Constitution. This day honoured the establishment of the Constitution, which was signed just two years prior on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now known as Independence Hall, the building where the Constitution was signed still stands today in Philadelphia, across from the National Constitution Center.
The creation of the Constitution was a significant event in the history of the United States, laying the foundation for the country's government. The Constitution was written and signed in the same location where the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the beginning of the nation's journey towards independence and self-governance.
The process of establishing the Constitution was a collaborative effort, with 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention. However, only 39 delegates signed the document, and two of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were absent during this time as they were representing their country in France and Great Britain, respectively.
The first national Thanksgiving Day provided an opportunity for the young nation to reflect on the importance of the Constitution and to celebrate the unity and strength it brought. It was a day to honour the hard work and dedication of the Founding Fathers who shaped the course of the nation's future. The Thanksgiving Day proclamation by George Washington highlighted the connection between gratitude for the Constitution and the spirit of the holiday season.
The Constitution continues to be a cornerstone of American democracy, with the original document on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The annual celebration of Thanksgiving has evolved over the years, but the underlying sentiment of gratitude and unity remains, reminding Americans of the importance of their nation's founding principles.
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Over 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress
The United States Constitution has been the subject of a significant number of proposed amendments, with over 11,000 introduced in Congress. This large number underscores the importance and evolving nature of the Constitution in American governance.
The process of amending the Constitution is a key feature of its design, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and societal needs. Amendments can be proposed by Congress, with a two-thirds majority vote required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, they can be proposed by a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures.
Of the more than 11,000 amendments introduced, only a small fraction have progressed through the rigorous process of becoming part of the Constitution. A total of 33 amendments have been passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification, and of those, 27 have received the necessary approval from the states to become official amendments.
The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added in 1791 to address the lack of a description of individual rights in the original document. These amendments include fundamental freedoms and protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. The process of amending the Constitution ensures that it remains a living document, capable of reflecting the values and needs of a changing society.
The high number of proposed amendments highlights the ongoing debate and dialogue surrounding the interpretation and application of constitutional principles. It also underscores the importance of the Constitution as the foundation of American democracy and the framework for the country's governance. As the oldest and shortest written national constitution, the United States Constitution continues to be a dynamic and influential document.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was written in 1787 and signed on September 17 the same year. It was signed in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. This is the same location where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army.
55 delegates attended the convention, but only 39 signed the Constitution. Two of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, did not sign it as they were representing their country in France and Great Britain, respectively.
While the Constitution was signed in 1787, it was not until 1789 that the government began operating under it. It was ratified by the necessary nine states in 1788, and in 1791, Americans added a list of rights, known as the Bill of Rights, to the Constitution.
