Eleanor Finch
Roger Sherman was an early American politician, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States. He is the only person to have signed all four of the most significant documents in the nation's early history: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. Sherman played a crucial role in the 1787 Constitutional Convention, where he proposed the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between states in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proposal | "Great Compromise" or "Connecticut Compromise" |
| Compromise's structure | Bicameral legislature with the Senate and the House of Representatives |
| Senate representation | Equal representation for each state |
| House of Representatives representation | Based on state population |
| Result | Prevented a deadlock at the convention and established the basis of the present system of federal government |
| Other | Supported Alexander Hamilton's proposal for federal assumption of states' debts |
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What You'll Learn
- Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed all four of the US's significant state papers
- He was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention, contributing to the Great Compromise
- Sherman promoted a bicameral legislature, using a dual system of representation
- He served in Congress under the new Constitution, supporting Alexander Hamilton's program
- Sherman's views were shaped by Connecticut's isolationist stance
Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed all four of the US's significant state papers
Roger Sherman was an early American politician, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States. He is the only person to have signed all four of the US's significant state papers: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
Sherman was born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1721, and spent his early life helping his father with farming chores and learning shoemaking from him. Despite a lack of formal education beyond grammar school, Sherman was an avid reader and had access to his father's library. After his father's death in 1743, Sherman moved to Connecticut, where he purchased a store and became a county surveyor. He also began a distinguished judicial and political career, passing the bar in 1754 and holding various public offices in Connecticut.
Sherman played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he proposed the "Great Compromise" to resolve the deadlock between large and small states on the issue of representation in the legislative branch. The compromise established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate granting equal representation to each state and the House of Representatives being apportioned based on population. This solution satisfied both smaller and larger states and formed the basis of the present system of federal government.
In addition to his contributions to the Constitution, Sherman was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. He also signed the Continental Association, which imposed an economic boycott on British trade, and the Articles of Confederation, the new nation's first constitution. After the ratification of the Constitution, Sherman represented Connecticut in the United States House of Representatives and later in the United States Senate until his death in 1793.
Sherman's public service spanned 30 years, during which he often simultaneously held multiple high-profile political and judicial positions. He was known for his sensibility and control over his emotions, with Thomas Jefferson describing him as "a man who never said a foolish thing in his life." Sherman's contributions to the founding of the United States were significant, and his signature on all four major state papers attests to his dedication and influence during this formative period in the nation's history.
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He was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention, contributing to the Great Compromise
Roger Sherman was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, contributing to the "Great Compromise" that established the bicameral structure of the United States Congress. Recognizing the challenge of reconciling the interests of small and large states regarding representation in the legislative branch, Sherman proposed a compromise that created a bicameral legislature, with the Senate granting equal representation to each state and the House of Representatives being apportioned based on population.
Sherman's proposal, known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise, prevented a deadlock at the Convention and helped establish the basis of the present system of federal government. He understood the need to balance the interests of small and large states, ensuring that both had a say in the new government. The smaller states sought to protect their influence, while the larger states desired proportional representation based on their larger populations.
Sherman's compromise was a critical moment in the Convention and in the development of the United States Constitution. It demonstrated his skill as a politician and a delegate from Connecticut, and his ability to find a solution that satisfied all parties involved. This compromise also highlighted his belief in a strong national government that could effectively raise revenue and regulate commerce, addressing the shortcomings of the previous government.
Beyond his contribution to the Great Compromise, Roger Sherman played a significant role in shaping the country's new constitution. He served as a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention and was a vocal supporter of Alexander Hamilton's proposal for federal assumption of states' debts. Sherman was also the only person to sign all four of the most significant documents in the early history of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
Sherman's life and career exemplified his dedication to public service. He began his career as a surveyor and a shoemaker, later establishing himself as a political figure during the American Revolution. He held multiple high-profile political and judicial positions, including serving in the Connecticut legislature, the Continental Congress, and the United States House of Representatives and Senate. His work ethic, sensibility, and control over his emotions were renowned, earning him praise from notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
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Sherman promoted a bicameral legislature, using a dual system of representation
Roger Sherman was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, contributing significantly to the formation of the United States Congress's bicameral structure. Recognizing the differing interests of small and large states regarding representation, he proposed the "Great Compromise" or the Connecticut Compromise. This compromise established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In the late 18th century, a critical difference emerged between larger states advocating for congressional representation based on population and smaller states seeking equal representation regardless of size. As a skilled politician and delegate from Connecticut, Sherman's proposal aimed to address this challenge. The compromise granted each state equal representation in the Senate while the House of Representatives was apportioned based on population.
Sherman's proposal successfully reconciled the conflicting interests of small and large states. The smaller states were assured of maintaining their influence through equal representation in the Senate, while the larger states were satisfied with proportional representation in the House. This dual system of representation became a fundamental aspect of the United States government, ensuring fair and balanced representation for all states.
Sherman's contribution to the Constitution extended beyond the Great Compromise. He was the only person to sign all four of the most significant documents in the early history of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution itself. Sherman also served in various political and judicial roles, including as a member of the Continental Congress, the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, and as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention, where he further shaped the country's new constitution.
Sherman's role in promoting a bicameral legislature with a dual system of representation was instrumental in establishing a stable and representative government. His proposal prevented a potential deadlock at the Constitutional Convention and laid the foundation for the current federal government structure in the United States, showcasing his skill as a politician and his dedication to balancing the interests of all states.
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He served in Congress under the new Constitution, supporting Alexander Hamilton's program
Roger Sherman was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention, contributing to the "Great Compromise" that established the bicameral structure of the United States Congress, balancing representation between states with the Senate and the House of Representatives. Recognizing the challenge of reconciling the interests of small and large states regarding representation in the legislative branch, Sherman proposed the "Great Compromise," also known as the Connecticut Compromise. This compromise created a bicameral legislature, with the Senate granting equal representation to each state and the House of Representatives being apportioned based on population. This solution satisfied both smaller states seeking to protect their influence and larger states desiring proportional representation, preventing a deadlock at the convention.
After the ratification of the Constitution, Sherman represented Connecticut in the United States Congress, serving first as a representative from 1789 to 1791 and then as a senator from 1791 until his death in 1793. During his time in Congress under the new Constitution, he supported Alexander Hamilton's program, which included the assumption of state debts, the establishment of a national bank, and the enactment of a tariff. He was a vocal advocate for Hamilton's proposal for the federal assumption of states' debts, and his support for Hamilton's program aligned with his own views on the role of the national government.
Sherman believed that the national government needed the power to raise revenue and regulate commerce, and he saw the convention as a means to modify the existing government rather than create a new one. His stance was shaped by Connecticut's position as an isolationist state, trading with the West Indies through its own ports instead of those in Boston. He also supported nonimportation measures and headed the New Haven committee of correspondence, demonstrating his active involvement in shaping the economic policies of the new nation.
Sherman's early life and career provided a foundation for his political and judicial achievements. Despite limited formal education, he had a strong aptitude for learning and rose through various positions, including county surveyor, justice of the peace, and representative in the Connecticut legislature. He established a legal career in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and served as a judge of the Superior Court in Connecticut before his election to Congress. Known for his sensibility and control over his emotions, Thomas Jefferson described him as "a man who never said a foolish thing in his life."
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Sherman's views were shaped by Connecticut's isolationist stance
Roger Sherman was an early American politician, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States. He was born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1721 and moved to Connecticut in 1743, where he would remain until his death in 1793. Sherman's political career began in Connecticut, where he served in numerous public offices, including several terms in the Connecticut legislature between 1755 and 1766. He also served as a justice of the peace and county judge before becoming an associate judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.
Sherman's views were heavily influenced by Connecticut's position as an isolationist state. Connecticut operated with little dependence on other states, using its own ports to trade with the West Indies instead of those in Boston. This isolationist stance shaped Sherman's political outlook and his approach to the Constitution. He believed that the national government needed a way to raise revenue and regulate commerce, and he was cautious about direct democracy, fearing that "the mass of people lacked sufficient wisdom to govern themselves".
As a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, which produced the United States Constitution, Sherman played a crucial role in shaping the country's new constitution. Recognizing the differing interests of small and large states regarding representation in the legislative branch, he proposed the "Great Compromise" or "Connecticut Compromise". This compromise established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate granting equal representation to each state and the House of Representatives apportioned based on population. By satisfying both smaller and larger states, Sherman's proposal prevented a deadlock at the Constitutional Convention and established the basis of the present system of federal government.
Sherman's proposal reflected his understanding of Connecticut's isolationist stance and the diverse interests of the states. The compromise ensured that smaller states, like Connecticut, maintained their influence while also accommodating the larger states' desire for proportional representation. This balanced approach demonstrated Sherman's ability to navigate complex political dynamics and find a solution that respected the interests of all parties involved.
In addition to his work on the Connecticut Compromise, Sherman contributed to other significant documents in the nation's early history. He was the only person to sign all four of the most important papers: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. He also served on committees that drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, further showcasing his dedication to the founding of the nation and his influence on its foundational documents.
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Frequently asked questions
Roger Sherman is known for his contribution to the Connecticut Compromise, which led to the formation of a bicameral legislature. This compromise helped to reconcile the interests of small and large states regarding representation in the legislative branch.
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, proposed a bicameral legislature with the Senate granting equal representation to each state, and the House of Representatives being apportioned based on population.
Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed all four of the most significant documents in US history: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution.
Roger Sherman was born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1721. He worked as a shoemaker and surveyor before establishing himself as a politician. He held various public offices and served in the Connecticut legislature before signing the Declaration of Independence.
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