Jonah Patel
Roger Sherman (1721-1793) was an American politician, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States. He is the only person to have signed all four of the nation's great state papers: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. Sherman was a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, which produced the United States Constitution. He was an influential member of the convention, despite being a terse, ineloquent speaker, and his plan for representation of large and small states prevented a deadlock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1721 |
| Birthplace | Newton, Massachusetts |
| Parents | William and Mehetabel Sherman |
| Education | Minimal; self-taught mathematics and surveying |
| Early career | Shoemaker and surveyor |
| Political career | Held multiple high-profile political and judicial positions; served in the Connecticut legislature, as a justice of the peace, a judge, and a delegate to the Continental Congress |
| Signatory | Signed the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution |
| Constitutional Convention | Proposed a bicameral legislature with equal representation for states; promoted the Connecticut Compromise |
| Later life | Served as the first mayor of New Haven, Connecticut; represented Connecticut in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate |
| Death | July 23, 1793, of typhoid |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
What You'll Learn
Roger Sherman was a delegate at the 1787 Philadelphia Convention
Sherman was a critical opponent of James Madison and the more populous states. He initially opposed efforts to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new constitution, but later supported the establishment of a new one. He introduced the Connecticut Compromise, which won the approval of both the more and less populous states and helped prevent a deadlock at the convention. The compromise provided for a bicameral legislature using a dual system of representation, with the size of representation in the House based on a state's population, but each state having equal representation in the Senate.
Sherman was also a member of the committee of 13 that was responsible for preparing a draft constitution for the new nation. During the debate, he proposed a bicameral national legislature where states would be represented equally. However, the committee rejected his proposal and adopted a unicameral legislature, which became the Articles of Confederation.
Sherman is the only person to have signed all four of the most significant documents in early US history: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. He had a distinguished judicial and political career, serving in various public offices and devoting a large portion of his life to public service.
Constitution's Role: Domestic and Foreign Affairs
You may want to see also
He was a member of the Committee of Five
Roger Sherman was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. He was also a member of the committee of 13 that was responsible for preparing a draft constitution for the new nation. Sherman was one of the most influential members of the Constitutional Convention, despite not being well known for his actions there due to his terse, ineloquent speaking style and lack of personal record-keeping.
Sherman was a critical opponent of James Madison and the more populous states. He proposed a bicameral national legislature where states would be represented equally, which became known as the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise. This compromise helped save the convention from disintegrating and established the basis of the present system of federal government.
Sherman's views were heavily shaped by Connecticut's position as an isolationist state. He believed that the national government needed a way to raise revenue and regulate commerce, and that the people lacked the wisdom to govern themselves, so he did not wish for any branch of the federal government to be directly elected by the people.
Sherman was a longtime member of the Continental Congress and served as a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, which produced the United States Constitution. He is the only person to sign all four great state papers of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
James Winthrop's Vision for the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Sherman was a vocal supporter of Alexander Hamilton
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 America's early history: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
Sherman's views were shaped by his home state of Connecticut, which was relatively isolationist and had little need for other states. He believed that the national government needed a way to raise revenue and regulate commerce, and that the federal government should not be elected directly by the people, reflecting a concern that the masses lacked the wisdom to govern themselves.
Sherman's proposal, known as the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise, called for a House of Representatives elected proportionally and a Senate where all states would have equal representation. This compromise was approved by a narrow margin of 5 states to 4, despite leaving many delegates with reservations.
Sherman's support for Hamilton's vision of a robust national government is evident in his proposal for the Connecticut Compromise, which aimed to balance representation and state equality. Their shared ideas contributed to the shaping of the United States Constitution and the founding principles of the nation.
Betty's Actions: Ethical or Unethical?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He proposed a bicameral national legislature
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 great state papers: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
During the Constitutional Convention, Sherman proposed a bicameral national legislature, which became known as the Connecticut Compromise. This proposal suggested a dual system of representation, where the size of representation in the House would be based on a state's population, but each state's representation in the Senate would be equal. This compromise was integral to the formation of a bicameral legislature and helped to prevent a deadlock at the convention. It also established the basis of the present system of the federal government.
Sherman's proposal was motivated by his concern for public appeal and his belief that the national government needed a way to raise revenue and regulate commerce. He understood that Connecticut's isolationist stance and reluctance to depend on other states influenced his views. Sherman's plan for representation of large and small states was a critical contribution to the convention, and he is remembered as one of its most influential members.
Despite his significant contributions, Sherman is not widely recognized for his actions at the Convention. This is partly due to his speaking style, described as "terse and ineloquent," and the fact that he did not keep a personal record of his experiences. Nonetheless, his proposal for a bicameral legislature and his defence of the rights of smaller states left a lasting impact on the structure of the American government.
AP Exam Grades: Understanding the Scoring System
You may want to see also
Sherman was a self-taught surveyor
Roger Sherman was a self-taught surveyor. Born in 1721 in Newton, Massachusetts, Sherman's early life was marked by practical skills, including surveying and shoemaking. Despite limited formal education, he had a strong desire to learn and read extensively. After his father's death in 1743, the 19-year-old Sherman moved with his family to New Milford, Connecticut. There, he put his skills to use, becoming a county surveyor and establishing himself in the community.
Sherman's surveying career was not just a job; it was a gateway to public service. His work as a surveyor connected him deeply to the community and its affairs. He became embedded in local politics, leveraging his vested interests in land speculation. In addition to his surveying work, he pursued various endeavours, including calculating and issuing an annual almanac and engaging in merchandising.
Sherman's knack for numbers and self-taught knowledge landed him a significant role as the surveyor for New Haven County in 1745. He was later appointed surveyor for Litchfield County as well. His proficiency in surveying, combined with his mathematical studies, led to his appointment as the Surveyor of Lands for the County of New Haven by the General Assembly of Connecticut in the same year.
Sherman's surveying career laid the foundation for his burgeoning political career. He became a trusted figure in his community, holding positions of trust in both church and civic life. He served in various roles, including as a justice of the peace, a member of the General Assembly of Connecticut, and a representative in both houses of the colonial assembly. His involvement in local politics set the stage for his subsequent national political career, including his role as a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, where he contributed to the United States Constitution.
Sherman's self-taught surveying skills not only provided him with a successful career but also served as a stepping stone to a life of public service. His expertise and community involvement paved the way for his entry into politics, where he played a pivotal role in the formation of the United States.
Federal System's Philosophical Roots: Framers' Visionary Influence
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Roger Sherman was an early American politician, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States.
Roger Sherman was a delegate at the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, which produced the United States Constitution. He was one of the most active and vocal members of the convention, making 138-160 speeches. He is credited with the Connecticut Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation for each state in the Senate.
Roger Sherman had a limited education, working as a farmer, shoemaker, and cordwainer (leatherworker) before becoming a self-taught surveyor. Despite his lack of formal legal training, he passed the bar exam in 1754 and embarked on a successful political and judicial career.
Roger Sherman was a staunch conservative and an early supporter of American independence from Britain. He believed in amending the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger national government that could raise revenue and regulate commerce. He defended the rights of smaller states and promoted a compromise between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention.
Roger Sherman was known for his sensibility, self-discipline, and direct manner of speaking. He worked long hours, starting his day at 5:00 am and continuing until around 10:00 pm. While some perceived him as lacking polish in his oratory skills, he was respected by figures like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison for his intelligence and principled stances.
![Founding Fathers [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9-HsS5nL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
