Isabella Carter
The US Constitution is the oldest and shortest written national constitution, and it has some fascinating stories behind it. From the signing in 1787 to the amendments over the years, there are many interesting facts about this important document. For instance, did you know that the first person to sign it was George Washington, or that Benjamin Franklin, at 81, was the oldest signer? There's also the story of how it was prepared in secret behind locked doors, and how it was signed in the same place as the Declaration of Independence, making Independence Hall in Philadelphia a pivotal location in American history. These facts and more reveal the intriguing history of the US Constitution and its formation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of signing | September 17, 1787 |
| Length of the document | Five pages |
| Number of Latin phrases | Three |
| Father of the Constitution | James Madison |
| Incorrect wordings | Yes |
| Person who physically wrote the Constitution | John Shallus |
| Amount paid to John Shallus | $30 (worth about $800 today) |
| State that refused to send delegates to the convention | Rhode Island |
| Date Rhode Island ratified the Constitution | May 29, 1790 |
| Number of signatures | 39 out of 55 delegates |
| Oldest person to sign | Benjamin Franklin (81) |
| Youngest person to sign | Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey (26) |
| Number of amendments proposed | Over 11,000 |
| Number of amendments sent to the states for ratification | 33 |
| Number of amendments approved | 27 |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution is the oldest and shortest written national constitution
The delegates who came together to write the Constitution did not initially intend to create a new constitution. They had gathered in Philadelphia to make changes to the Articles of Confederation, which was the original constitution written in 1777 and ratified in 1781. However, they soon realised that the Articles were inadequate and needed to be replaced. One of the primary motivations for starting from scratch was financial: the central government was struggling with debt from the Revolutionary War, and a new constitution could enable them to request money from the states.
The US Constitution was drafted in fewer than 100 working days and physically written by John Shallus, a clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was paid $30 for his services (worth about $800 today). Of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, only 39 signed the document. Three delegates—Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts and Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia—refused to sign due to their dissatisfaction with the final document, particularly the lack of a bill of rights. Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution, and he had to be carried to the convention and helped to sign his name.
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The first person to sign was George Washington
George Washington was the first person to sign the US Constitution, and he did so on September 17, 1787. This date is now celebrated annually as "Constitution Day", marking the birthday of the US Constitution.
Washington's signature on the Constitution is especially notable given his prominent role in the nation's history. He served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 and is considered a Founding Father of the country. Washington played a crucial role in the American Revolution, leading the Continental Army to victory over the British. He also presided over the Constitutional Convention, which took place from May to September 1787 in Philadelphia.
The Constitutional Convention was convened with the goal of amending the Articles of Confederation, the original constitution of the United States written in 1777 and ratified in 1781. However, the delegates ultimately decided to draft a new constitution, and Washington's signature on the final document symbolized his endorsement of this significant shift.
Out of the 55 delegates who participated in the Constitutional Convention, only 39 signed the Constitution. Some delegates, including Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts and Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia, were dissatisfied with the final document and refused to add their signatures. George Washington, however, recognized the importance of a unified nation and the need for a stronger central government. By signing first, he set a precedent and encouraged others to follow suit.
The US Constitution is the oldest and shortest governing document of any nation today. It consists of only seven articles and 27 amendments, spanning just five pages. The original copy, signed by Washington and the other delegates, is carefully preserved to maintain its integrity. It is stored at a temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% relative humidity, ensuring that this pivotal document in American history remains intact for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
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Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest signer
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was the oldest signer of the US Constitution at 81 years old. Franklin was one of 39 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who signed the document on September 17, 1787. The other 14 men had already left Philadelphia and were not present for the signing, with only Delaware delegate John Dickinson arranging for a proxy signature.
Franklin's signature on the Constitution was an emotional moment. Due to his poor health, he needed assistance to sign the document, and as he did so, tears streamed down his face.
Franklin was not the only signer of the Constitution to have a dramatic story associated with his signature. Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia, as well as Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, refused to sign the Constitution due to their dissatisfaction with the final document, particularly the lack of a Bill of Rights. On the other hand, John Dickinson of Delaware, who was not present at the signing, arranged for a proxy to sign on his behalf, ensuring his support for the Constitution was officially recorded.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in the history of the United States. Despite facing initial opposition and controversy, the Constitution became the supreme law of the land, laying out the framework for the organization of the US government and its relationship with the states, citizens, and all people within the country.
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The US Constitution was prepared in secret
The attendees of the Convention were not socioeconomically representative of the country, and America's farmers were underrepresented. Rhode Island was the only state that refused to send delegates, as it was fearful of a stronger central government and wanted greater state autonomy. Rhode Island was also the last state to ratify the Constitution, only doing so on the condition that a Bill of Rights was included.
The delegates debated the title of the nation's Chief Executive, considering the option of "His Highness the President of the United States of America and Protector of their Liberties", before settling on "The President of the United States". The final document was penned by John Shallus, a clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was paid $30 for his work. Benjamin Franklin, the oldest person to sign the Constitution at 81 years old, had to be carried to the convention and needed assistance to sign.
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The first national Thanksgiving Day was created to give thanks for the Constitution
The National Thanksgiving Proclamation was the first presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving in the United States. While days of thanksgiving and harvest celebrations had been practised in various forms for centuries, this proclamation established Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Washington's proclamation came at the request of Congress, who wanted to set aside a day for the nation to give thanks for their blessings and offer prayers.
The first national Thanksgiving was a significant event in American history, as it was the first time the country united to express gratitude for the Constitution and seek divine guidance and protection for the nation. It also set a precedent for future presidents to issue Thanksgiving proclamations, although the dates and months of the celebrations varied. It is worth noting that not all presidents supported the idea of a national Thanksgiving, with some, like Thomas Jefferson, refusing to endorse the tradition due to concerns about the separation of church and state.
It wasn't until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln established the regular tradition of observing days of national Thanksgiving. This decision was made to urge the nation to heal and restore "peace, harmony, tranquility and Union" in the midst of the nation's conflicts. Finally, in 1941, President Roosevelt signed a resolution establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the fixed date for Federal Thanksgiving Day, ending the previous variation in Thanksgiving celebrations.
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