Simone Lawson
The United States Constitution was drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. While several notable figures attended the convention, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, it was James Madison whose notes and proposals were instrumental in shaping the final version of the document. Madison is often referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his substantial contributions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of delegate who wrote the first draft of the Constitution | James Wilson |
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What You'll Learn
The first draft was written by James Wilson
The first draft of the Constitution was written and signed by James Wilson, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from York, PA, and chair of the Committee of Detail. The committee was charged with drafting the Constitution, and Wilson's draft is the earliest surviving version. It consists of four sheets, and one unique feature is that it lists all of the states in the first line.
Wilson's draft was a revision of a rough draft written by Edmund Randolph of Virginia. Randolph's draft was discussed by the committee, and Wilson then revised it. A clean copy was sent to prominent Philadelphia printers John Dunlap and David Claypoole, who printed enough copies for use by the delegates. The draft was kept secret to avoid controversy.
After five weeks of debate over the Committee of Detail's draft, the Constitutional Convention appointed a committee of style to prepare a final version. Gouverneur Morris, later known as the "penman of the Constitution", did most of the work on this final version.
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The draft was revised by James Wilson
The first draft of the US Constitution was written by James Wilson, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from York, PA, and chair of the Committee of Detail. The committee was charged with drafting the Constitution and Wilson's draft is the earliest surviving version. It consists of four sheets and lists all the states in the first line.
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia, with delegates representing every state except Rhode Island. The convention was convened to discuss the Articles of Confederation, which provided for a loose confederation of US states, each sovereign in most of their affairs. By 1786, it was apparent that the Union would soon break up if the Articles were not amended or replaced.
The delegates to the convention debated the first complete draft of the proposed Constitution, which was presented by the Committee of Detail. After five weeks of debate, the convention appointed a committee of style to prepare a final version. Gouverneur Morris, later known as the "penman of the Constitution", did most of the work on this final version.
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The draft was reviewed by the committee
The first draft of the US Constitution was written by James Wilson, a delegate from York, Pennsylvania, and chair of the Committee of Detail. The committee was charged with drafting the Constitution. The earliest surviving version of the Constitution consists of four sheets, with one unique feature being that it lists all the states in the first line.
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A clean copy was sent to Philadelphia printers
The first draft of the Constitution was written and signed by James Wilson, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from York, PA, and chair of the Committee of Detail. The committee was charged with drafting the Constitution. The earliest surviving version of the Constitution consists of four sheets. One unique feature is that it lists all of the states in the first line.
Edmund Randolph of Virginia wrote out a rough draft of a constitution, which the committee then discussed. James Wilson revised Randolph's draft, and the committee reviewed it. A clean copy was then sent to prominent Philadelphia printers John Dunlap and David Claypoole. The Convention told them to print just enough copies for use by the delegates, and the draft was to be kept secret to avoid controversy.
On May 25, 1787, delegates representing every state except Rhode Island convened at Philadelphia's Pennsylvania State House for the Constitutional Convention. The building, which is now known as Independence Hall, had earlier seen the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Articles of Confederation. The assembly immediately discarded the idea of amending the Articles of Confederation and set about drawing up a new scheme of government.
The Committee of Detail presented the first draft of the Constitution, and the delegates adjourned to study it. After five weeks of debate over the committee's draft Constitution, the Constitutional Convention appointed a committee of style to prepare a final version; Gouverneur Morris, later known as the "penman of the Constitution", did most of the work.
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Gouverneur Morris did most of the work on the final version
The first draft of the Constitution was written by James Wilson, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from York, PA, and chair of the Committee of Detail. The committee was charged with drafting the Constitution. The earliest surviving version of the Constitution consists of four sheets. One unique feature is that it lists all the states in the first line.
Edmund Randolph of Virginia wrote out a rough draft of a constitution, which was then revised by James Wilson. After five weeks of debate over the committee of detail's draft Constitution, the Constitutional Convention appointed a committee of style to prepare a final version. Gouverneur Morris, later known as the "penman of the Constitution", did most of the work on the final version. Morris was tasked with taking the ideas and revisions of the committee and crafting them into a coherent document. He was chosen for his eloquence and skill with words. Morris worked tirelessly to refine the language of the Constitution, ensuring that it accurately reflected the committee's intentions. He paid close attention to detail, carefully considering the wording of each section to create a document that was clear, concise, and powerful.
Morris' contributions to the final version of the Constitution were significant. He is credited with crafting the elegant and enduring phrases that have come to define the document, such as "We the People" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty". Morris' skill as a writer and his dedication to the task helped shape the Constitution into the influential and inspiring document it is today. His work on the final version ensured that the Constitution was not only a functional framework for government but also a powerful statement of the nation's ideals and aspirations.
Morris' role in the creation of the Constitution extended beyond the final version. He was an active participant in the debates and discussions that shaped the document. Morris brought his own ideas and perspectives to the table, contributing to the development of key concepts and principles. He worked closely with other delegates, exchanging thoughts and suggestions to refine and enhance the Constitution. Morris' involvement in the process demonstrates his deep commitment to the nation's founding principles and his belief in the importance of a strong and effective government.
The final version of the Constitution, as crafted by Gouverneur Morris, stands as a testament to his talent and dedication. His words continue to resonate, inspiring and guiding generations of Americans. Morris' work on the Constitution has left an indelible mark on the nation's history, shaping its political landscape and helping to secure the freedoms and rights of its citizens. His contributions to the final version were instrumental in creating a document that has endured and evolved to meet the needs of a changing nation.
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Frequently asked questions
James Madison, known as the 'Father of the Constitution', wrote the first draft of the United States Constitution.
While other founding figures played important roles, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, Madison's proposals and notes greatly influenced the final document.
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, where delegates from various states gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a new framework for government.
Madison's contributions and writings during this period, especially his detailed notes, provide valuable insights into the debates and decisions made by the delegates.
