Omar Bennett
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, establishing a framework for a new form of republican government. 39 delegates representing 12 states endorsed the Constitution, signalling their agreement to replace the weak central government outlined in the Articles of Confederation. The signing, which took place in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, followed four months of intense deliberations and debates led by George Washington. Despite some dissent, the delegates' signatures, along with a declaration of completion and adoption by the states, authenticated the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of Signatures | 39 |
| Number of Delegates | 74 |
| Number of States Represented | 12 |
| Age Range of Signers | 26-81 |
| Nature of the Document | Laid the framework for the nation's federal government and defined the function of its 3 branches |
| Purpose | To replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation |
| Notable Signers | George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman |
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What You'll Learn
- The signing of the Constitution represented the culmination of four months of fierce debate and deliberation
- The signing signified the delegates' endorsement of the document and their agreement to its contents
- The Constitution established a new form of republican government, replacing the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation
- The signing represented a compromise and laid the foundation for a more perfect union
- The signing of the Constitution was witnessed by 39 delegates, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island)
The signing of the Constitution represented the culmination of four months of fierce debate and deliberation
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, was a significant event in the nation's history, representing the culmination of four months of intense and fierce debate and deliberation. The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates (by some accounts, 38) out of 55 who attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also known as Independence Hall. The delegates represented 12 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that did not send any representatives to the Convention.
The Constitutional Convention began in May 1787 and was a gathering of some of the greatest minds of the day, including James Madison, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, and, for a while, Alexander Hamilton. The delegates engaged in robust discussions, clause by clause, and made compromises to create a new form of republican government that replaced the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. The final draft of the Constitution, presented on September 12, was cleverly written by Gouverneur Morris to make it seem unanimous.
The signing of the Constitution was preceded by Benjamin Franklin's powerful speech, in which he acknowledged his own reservations about certain parts of the document but still advocated for its acceptance. Franklin, who was 81 years old and in poor health at the time, had to have his speech read by James Wilson. Franklin's address was met with some dissent, as not all delegates were fully satisfied with the final version. However, the majority of delegates, including Franklin, hoped that this practical and workable constitution would meet the immediate needs of the thirteen states and their approximately four million inhabitants.
The signing of the Constitution was a crucial step in establishing the framework for the nation's federal government and delineating the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The document, which is rarely amended, stands as a testament to the delegates' efforts and continues to shape the United States' government even today.
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The signing signified the delegates' endorsement of the document and their agreement to its contents
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, marked a significant moment in the country's history, representing the delegates' endorsement of the document and their agreement to its contents. The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, out of the 55 who attended the Constitutional Convention sessions. This endorsement signified their acceptance of the document and their commitment to the principles outlined within it.
The signing of the Constitution was preceded by four months of intense and fierce debates among the delegates, who worked to create a new form of republican government to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. The final draft of the Constitution, presented on September 12, 1787, was the culmination of these deliberations and compromises. Benjamin Franklin, one of the oldest delegates at 81, played a crucial role in advocating for the Constitution's adoption. Despite his initial reservations about certain parts of the document, Franklin recognised the importance of unity and compromise, stating that he accepted the Constitution because "I expect no better and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
The signing of the Constitution by the delegates represented their unanimous consent to the document. It is important to note that the signing served as an authentication of the Constitution rather than an assignment of powers to the federal government or a provision of specific limitations on government action. The delegates who signed the document represented a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, with individuals having served in the American Revolution, signed the Declaration of Independence, or held positions in local, colonial, or state governments. This cross-section of 18th-century American leadership reflected the collective effort and endorsement of the Constitution.
The endorsement of the Constitution by the delegates carried significant weight. Their signatures, along with a brief declaration, signified the completion of their work and their agreement to the final document. This endorsement was further emphasised by the convention's secretary, William Jackson, who added a note verifying the authenticity of the document and any amendments made to it. The signing of the Constitution represented a pivotal moment where the delegates, through their signatures, expressed their support for the document that laid the foundation for the United States' federal government and the functioning of its three branches.
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The Constitution established a new form of republican government, replacing the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, establishing a new form of republican government. This event, which took place in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, saw 39 delegates from 12 states endorse a document that would shape the country's future.
The Constitution's creation was a response to the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which had established a weak central government. The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, created a loose confederation of states with a limited central government that lacked the power to effectively govern the young nation. It failed to provide for a strong, unified country, and the need for a new governing document became apparent.
The Constitutional Convention, which began in May 1787, aimed to address these issues. Delegates from 12 states (all except Rhode Island) gathered to draft a new constitution, engaging in four months of intense and fierce debates. The final document they produced established a new form of republican government, with a stronger and more unified central government.
The Constitution laid out the framework for the nation's federal government, delineating the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It was designed to meet the immediate needs of the 13 states and their approximately four million people. The delegates who signed the document represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments, and many had also served in the American Revolution.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant step towards establishing a more robust and effective central government, replacing the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. It reflected the delegates' commitment to creating a unified and more perfect union, laying the foundation for the United States as we know it today.
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The signing represented a compromise and laid the foundation for a more perfect union
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, represented a compromise and laid the foundation for a more perfect union. The Constitution was the result of four months of fierce debate and deliberation by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, who sought to create a new form of republican government to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. The final draft of the Constitution, presented to the convention on September 12, was cleverly written by Gouverneur Morris to make it seem unanimous.
The signing of the Constitution represented a compromise in that it was a product of intense negotiation and bargaining among the delegates, who represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, including individuals with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. The delegates had differing views and interests, and the final document incorporated compromises on various issues to accommodate these differences. For example, the Connecticut Compromise, worked on by delegate Roger Sherman, addressed the issue of representation and advocated for equal representation for small states.
The signing of the Constitution also laid the foundation for a more perfect union. Benjamin Franklin, in his final speech before the signing, acknowledged that the Constitution had imperfections but argued that it was the best that could be achieved at the time. He recognized that assembling a group of men to create a constitution would inevitably bring together their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views. Despite these imperfections, the Constitution has endured and continues to stand the test of time, with few amendments made to it.
The signing of the Constitution established the framework for the nation's federal government and delineated the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It represented a significant step forward in creating a stronger and more unified nation, replacing the weak central government that had existed under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution also provided a mechanism for future amendments, allowing for further improvements to be made as the nation evolved.
Overall, the signing of the Constitution represented a compromise among the delegates and laid the foundation for a more perfect union, establishing a framework for governance that has endured and adapted to the changing needs of the nation.
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The signing of the Constitution was witnessed by 39 delegates, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island)
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, was a significant event in the nation's history, witnessed by 39 delegates representing 12 states, all except Rhode Island, which declined to send representatives. This event marked the culmination of a four-month-long Constitutional Convention, held in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where delegates worked to create a new form of republican government to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation.
The 39 delegates who endorsed the Constitution represented a diverse cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. Seven of them had signed the Declaration of Independence, and thirty had served on active military duty. The youngest signer was Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. Franklin, despite his poor health, played a crucial role in advocating for the Constitution and made the final motion to sign the document.
The signing of the Constitution was the result of intense debates and compromises facilitated by George Washington, who presided over the Convention. The delegates worked to address the needs of the thirteen states, each with its own interests and perspectives. The final draft, presented on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a cleverly written closing statement by Gouverneur Morris, giving the impression of unanimity.
The Constitution laid out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineated the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The signing of the document by the 39 delegates represented their agreement to the plan for a new form of government and their commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the states. It is worth noting that three delegates, Elbridge Gerry, George Mason, and Edmund Randolph, objected to the final version and refused to sign.
The signing of the Constitution by the 39 delegates, witnessed by all except Rhode Island, was a pivotal moment in American history, setting the foundation for the country's government and shaping its future.
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Frequently asked questions
The signing of the Constitution represented the founding of the United States government and the country's federal government framework. It laid out how the three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—would function.
39 delegates endorsed the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin, who gave a speech introducing the motion for the delegates to sign.
Benjamin Franklin, despite his reservations about the Constitution, gave a powerful speech in support of it. He acknowledged its imperfections but argued that it was the best that could be achieved at the time. Franklin's speech was crucial in gaining support for the Constitution and creating a sense of common accord.
After the signing, a motion was made to destroy all the journals documenting the convention or give them to George Washington. The Constitution was then ratified by the states, with Rhode Island being the only original state that did not participate in the process.
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