Eleanor Finch
The United States Constitution, which outlines the framework of the nation's federal government and how its branches function, was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787. These delegates, who represented 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island did not participate), are often referred to as the Founding Fathers. The signers included individuals like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton, who had diverse backgrounds and experiences, ranging from lawyers to military leaders. They played a crucial role in shaping the country's future by endorsing the Constitution, despite some having reservations about its contents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of signers | 39 |
| Youngest signer | Jonathan Dayton, aged 26 |
| Oldest signer | Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 |
| First signer to die | Benjamin Franklin, in April 1790 |
| Last signer to die | James Madison, in June 1836 |
| Number of signers who had taken part in the American Revolution | 30 |
| Number of signers who had served in the Continental forces | 29 |
| Number of signers who had signed the Declaration of Independence | 7 |
| Number of delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention | 55 |
| Number of states represented at the Constitutional Convention | 12 |
| State that did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention | Rhode Island |
| Number of individuals selected to attend the Constitutional Convention | 74 |
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What You'll Learn
Who are the Founding Fathers?
The Founding Fathers of the United States were a group of 39 political leaders who signed the country's constitution in 1787. They were delegates chosen to represent 12 of the 13 original states (all except Rhode Island) at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Founding Fathers included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.
The Founding Fathers were a diverse group of individuals with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. They ranged in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair due to his infirmity. Many of them had also taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces and seven having signed the Declaration of Independence.
The Founding Fathers were responsible for shaping the country's federal government and outlining how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) would function. They debated and signed the Constitution in Independence Hall's Assembly Room, using the same Syng inkstand that had been used to sign the Declaration of Independence 11 years earlier.
The process of drafting and signing the Constitution was not without its challenges. Several delegates left before the signing ceremony, and three of those who remained refused to sign. Benjamin Franklin, despite having reservations about certain parts of the document, chose to endorse it in the hopes of gaining the support of critics and fostering a sense of common accord.
The Founding Fathers are remembered for their significant contributions to the formation of the United States and the development of its constitutional framework. Their efforts laid the foundation for the nation's government and continue to shape American politics and society even today.
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The number of signers
The 39 signers included delegates from 12 of the 13 original states, with Rhode Island being the only state that did not send any delegates to the Convention. The signers represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. Virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 serving in the Continental forces and seven signing the Declaration of Independence.
The 39 delegates who signed the Constitution included John Dickinson, who was ill and authorized George Read to sign on his behalf. In addition to the delegates, the convention's secretary, William Jackson, also signed the document, not as a delegate but to authenticate the document and some corrections. George Washington, as president of the Convention, signed first, and his signature is near the right margin of the page.
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The youngest and oldest signers
The US Constitution was signed by 39 delegates, representing 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island did not send any delegates). The delegates were a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. Almost all of them had participated in the American Revolution, with at least 29 serving in the Continental forces, and seven signing the Declaration of Independence.
The youngest signer of the Constitution was Jonathan Dayton, aged 26. The oldest was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Franklin was also the first signer to die, in April 1790, while James Madison was the last, dying in June 1836.
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Signers' stances
The signers of the US Constitution are often referred to as the Founding Fathers or the Framers of the Constitution. The original states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention. However, a number of these individuals did not accept or could not attend, and only 55 delegates attended the sessions. Of these, 39 signed the Constitution.
The signers represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. Virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command. Additionally, seven had signed the Declaration of Independence.
The signers' stances towards the Constitution varied. Some, like Alexander Hamilton, strongly favoured a strong national government and supported the Constitution. Hamilton led the Annapolis Convention, which aimed to "remedy defects of the federal government" caused by the inadequate Articles of Confederation. He was an active participant in the Constitutional Convention and co-authored the Federalist Papers, a key source for Constitutional interpretation.
Others, like Gouverneur Morris, were large-state nationalists who favoured the Virginia Plan. Morris believed that taxes should be paid in proportion to a state's population and that the president should be chosen by citizens rather than Congress. He was also a strong voice against slavery.
Some signers, like William Paterson, favoured protections for smaller states. Paterson supported the New Jersey Plan, which aimed to address the concerns of smaller states about equal representation and the power of larger states. He left the Convention in July but returned to sign the document in December when New Jersey became the third state to ratify.
Benjamin Franklin, the oldest signer at 81, summed up the sentiments of many signers. He acknowledged that while there were parts of the Constitution he did not approve of, he accepted it because he "expected no better" and was unsure if a better alternative existed. Franklin delivered an address strongly endorsing the Constitution, hoping to gain the support of critics and create a sense of common accord.
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Signers' backgrounds
The signers of the US Constitution are often referred to as the Founding Fathers. Virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command. Seven had signed the Declaration of Independence. All but seven were native to the thirteen colonies, with Pierce Butler, Thomas Fitzsimons, James McHenry, William Paterson, Robert Morris, James Wilson, and Alexander Hamilton being born in Ireland, England, Scotland, and the West Indies, respectively.
The signers represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, or state government. The group included lawyers, military personnel, merchants, and planters. Many had served in various political roles, including George Read, who proposed abolishing individual state governments in favour of one central government, and William Paterson, who favoured protections for smaller states.
Alexander Hamilton, a strong supporter of the Constitution, was a lawyer who served as General Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War and co-authored the Federalist Papers. James Madison is credited as the "father of the Constitution," with James Wilson recognized as his deputy. Gouverneur Morris, a large-state nationalist, made the most speeches at 173, and was a strong voice against slavery.
The signers ranged in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who was infirm and had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair. Franklin summarized the sentiments of those who signed, acknowledging the Constitution's imperfections but accepting it as the best option.
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Frequently asked questions
39 people signed the US Constitution.
The signers of the US Constitution are often referred to as the Founding Fathers.
The youngest signer was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton, and the oldest was 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin.
No, 12 of the 13 states were represented at the Constitutional Convention. Rhode Island did not send any delegates.
Yes, virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution, seven had signed the Declaration of Independence, and at least 29 had served in the Continental forces.
