Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution, which outlines the framework for the nation's federal government and its three branches, was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states. The five signatories who signed the document but did not serve in the Continental or Confederation Congresses were Richard Bassett of Delaware, John Blair of Virginia, David Brearley of New Jersey, Jacob Broom of Delaware, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of South Carolina.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Signers | 39 |
| States Represented | 12 |
| State with no Representation | Rhode Island |
| Number of Delegates Chosen | 74 |
| Number of Delegates in Attendance | 55 |
| Number of Non-Signers | 3 |
| Age of Youngest Signer | 26 (Jonathan Dayton) |
| Age of Oldest Signer | 81 (Benjamin Franklin) |
| Signers who didn't serve in Continental/Confederation Congresses | Richard Bassett, John Blair, David Brearley, Jacob Broom, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The youngest signer was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton
The United States Constitution is one of the most remarkable achievements in human history. It lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and outlines how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) should function. The document, which is fewer than 5,000 words long, has rarely been amended and continues to stand the test of time.
The original states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention. Of those chosen, 55 attended, and 39 signed the Constitution. The delegates represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with most having participated in the American Revolution and many having served in active military duty.
The youngest signer of the Constitution was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton. Dayton was part of a group of younger delegates, including John Blair of Virginia, David Brearley of New Jersey, and Jacob Broom of Delaware, who were in their thirties when they signed the document. Dayton and these other young delegates represented a new generation of American leaders who were committed to shaping the future of their nation.
Jonathan Dayton's signature on the Constitution is a testament to his early involvement in the nation's founding. Dayton was born in 1760 in New Jersey and grew up during the tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolution. He was a member of the New Jersey state legislature and served in the Continental Congress before being selected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Dayton's signature on the Constitution is a reminder of his dedication to the nation's founding principles and his contribution to shaping the course of American history at a young age.
In addition to being the youngest signer, Dayton was also one of the first to sign the document. The signatures on the Constitution are grouped by state, progressing from north to south. As a delegate from New Jersey, Dayton's signature appears near the top of the list, alongside other delegates from northern states. By signing the Constitution, Dayton played a crucial role in establishing the framework for the American government and securing the rights and freedoms that continue to define the nation today.
Who Signed the Constitution? Benjamin Franklin's Signature Explained
You may want to see also
The oldest signer was 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin
The oldest signer of the US Constitution was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81. Franklin was a Pennsylvania delegate and summed up the sentiments of those who signed, stating:
> "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them."
> "I expect no better and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Franklin was cautiously optimistic about the document, remarking that he was astonished by how close to perfection the system was. He was the first signer to die, in April 1790.
Franklin was one of 39 signers of the Constitution, which was drafted in 1787. The delegates who signed the document represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state government. Virtually all of them had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 serving in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command.
The signing of the US Constitution is still considered one of the most remarkable achievements in human history. At fewer than 5,000 words and rarely amended, the Constitution has stood the test of time.
Quebec's Constitution: Signed or Not?
You may want to see also
39 delegates signed the Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing of the Constitution occurred six years after the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, which established the first national government. However, the Articles needed significant revisions as they failed to empower the central government to carry out essential functions.
The Federal Convention of 1787 was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation. The convention debated competing proposals from May to July 1787, before turning over plans to a Grand Committee, whose report, dubbed the Great Compromise, ironed out many contentious points. The delegates produced a document that expanded the power of the central government while protecting the prerogatives of the states.
A total of 39 delegates signed the Constitution, representing 12 states (all but Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates). The 39 signers included John Dickinson, who, due to illness, authorised George Read to sign on his behalf. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, also signed the document to authenticate some corrections. The signatures were grouped by state, with the listing of states arranged geographically from north to south. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest signer, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest.
The signers of the Constitution had diverse backgrounds and experiences. Virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 serving in the Continental forces and 30 serving on active military duty. Seven signers had also signed the Declaration of Independence. The signers represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments.
The Constitution: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
You may want to see also
Explore related products
12 of the 13 states were represented at the signing
The United States Constitution, which lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and its three branches, was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This signing occurred after a four-month-long convention, during which delegates debated and crafted the document that would become the foundation of the US government.
Of the 74 chosen delegates, 55 attended the convention, and 39 signed the final document. The remaining delegates either left before the signing or refused to sign. The signatories represented 12 of the 13 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that did not send delegates to the convention.
The delegates who signed the Constitution represented a diverse cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with most of them having participated in the American Revolution. Seven of the signatories had also signed the Declaration of Independence, and 30 had served on active military duty. The youngest signer was Jonathan Dayton, at 26 years old, while Benjamin Franklin, at 81, was the oldest.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant event in American history, as it marked the creation of a new form of government that addressed the weaknesses of the previous system, the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution laid out the structure and functions of the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The document also included a Bill of Rights, which guaranteed certain fundamental rights and freedoms for the citizens of the United States.
The process of drafting and signing the Constitution involved intense debates, compromises, and negotiations among the delegates. The final document reflected a balance between the interests and views of the different states and addressed concerns about congressional representation, slavery, and the powers of the central government. The Constitution has endured as one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world, shaping the country's political and legal landscape for centuries.
Who Signed the Constitution? Understanding the 55 Delegates
You may want to see also
Five signatories didn't serve in the Continental or Confederation Congresses
The United States Constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787, outlines the framework for the nation's federal government and defines how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) should function. It is considered one of the most remarkable achievements in human history, with fewer than 5,000 words and rarely amended.
Of the 74 delegates chosen for the Constitutional Convention, 55 attended, and 39 signed the document. Interestingly, five of the signatories did not serve in the Continental or Confederation Congresses. These individuals were:
- Richard Bassett of Delaware: Richard Bassett was one of the delegates who signed the Constitution but did not have a background in the Continental or Confederation Congresses.
- John Blair of Virginia: John Blair, another signer, also did not have a history of serving in the Continental or Confederation Congresses before signing the Constitution.
- David Brearley of New Jersey: David Brearley's signature appears on the Constitution, even though he did not participate in the Continental or Confederation Congresses.
- Jacob Broom of Delaware: Jacob Broom, a signatory to the Constitution, took a different path from the typical service in the Continental or Confederation Congresses.
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of South Carolina: Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the fifth individual, also signed the Constitution without having served in the Continental or Confederation Congresses.
These five individuals represent a unique subset of the Constitution's signatories, demonstrating the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those who came together to shape the foundational document of the United States.
Who Signed the Alabama Constitution?
You may want to see also
