Simone Lawson
The Framers of the US Constitution, also known as the Founding Fathers, were a group of delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The delegates were appointed by the original states, except Rhode Island, and ranged in age from 26 to 81. Notable Framers include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris. These individuals contributed to the debates and compromises that shaped the US Constitution, with the goal of creating a just government, ensuring peace, and securing national defence and freedom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of individuals appointed by the original states | 70 |
| Number of individuals who did not accept or could not attend | 11 |
| Number of delegates who attended the sessions | 55 |
| Number of delegates who signed the Constitution | 39 |
| Age range of the delegates | 26-81 |
| Colonies from which the Founding Fathers came | Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut |
| Occupations practiced by the delegates | Wide range of high and middle status occupations |
| Educational backgrounds of the Founding Fathers | Strong educational backgrounds at some of the colonial colleges or abroad |
| General goals outlined in the Preamble | Create a just government, ensure peace, provide adequate national defense, and build a healthy, free nation |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
$15.99 $16.99
What You'll Learn
Who were the Founding Fathers?
The Founding Fathers of the United States were the group of men who played pivotal roles in America's independence from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States government. The term "Founding Fathers" is used to refer to the signers of three key documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution.
The Founding Fathers included John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Paine, and George Washington. John Jay and John Quincy Adams are also sometimes included in this group. Many of these men held important roles in the early government of the United States. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison served as the first four presidents; Adams and Jefferson were the first two vice presidents; Jay was the first chief justice; Hamilton was the first secretary of the treasury; Jefferson was the first secretary of state; and Franklin was America's most senior diplomat during the Revolutionary War.
The Founding Fathers were responsible for drafting the United States Constitution, which defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States. James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his crucial role in its formulation, particularly in drafting the Bill of Rights, which defines citizens' and states' rights in relation to the government. Thomas Jefferson's greatest contribution as a Founding Father was being the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which expressed the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for separation from Great Britain.
The term "Founding Fathers" has been used by several U.S. presidents in their speeches, including Ronald Reagan, who referred to them in both of his inaugural addresses. The term has also been used to refer to a broader group of individuals who were active in the American Revolution and the formation of the early American Republic, including women such as Abigail Adams, who are sometimes referred to as "Founding Mothers."
War Declaration: Congress' Constitutional Power Explained
You may want to see also
The Constitutional Convention
The original states, except Rhode Island, appointed 70 individuals to the convention, although only 55 delegates attended the sessions, and of those, only 39 signed the Constitution. The delegates ranged in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin. Some of the notable Founding Fathers who attended include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris.
The convention was a significant event in American history, as it led to the creation of a new system of government and the ratification of the United States Constitution. The delegates debated and compromised on several key issues, including the role of the executive, the insertion of a fugitive slave clause, and the powers of the federal government in relation to foreign affairs. The final document established a federal government with specific powers, including the authority to conduct relations with foreign governments.
Nurse Actions: Preventing Patient Injury
You may want to see also
The Articles of Confederation
The final draft of the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was completed on November 15, 1777. Consensus was achieved by including language guaranteeing that each state retained its sovereignty, leaving the matter of western land claims in the hands of the individual states, and establishing a unicameral legislature with limited and clearly delineated powers. The Articles were ratified by 12 states by February 1779, 14 months into the process. Maryland was the last state to ratify the Articles on March 1, 1781, after which the Congress of the Confederation came into being.
Federal Reserve System: Constitutional or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.95 $29.95
The US Constitution
The Framers of the Constitution were 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, although only 39 actually signed the Constitution. The delegates were appointed by the original states, except Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates. The delegates 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. Almost all of the delegates had taken part in the Revolution and had extensive political experience, with four-fifths having been in the Continental Congress.
Some of the most notable Framers include George Washington, who presided over the convention; James Madison, often called the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in the document's drafting and promoting the Bill of Rights; Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate, known for his wisdom and diplomacy; Alexander Hamilton, who advocated for a strong central government and was a key author of the Federalist Papers; Roger Sherman, who proposed the Great Compromise that helped shape the legislative structure; James Wilson, who played a significant role in drafting the Constitution and argued for the direct election of the President; and Gouverneur Morris, credited with writing the Preamble and much of the Constitution's final text.
In the Preamble to the Constitution, the Framers outlined their general goals: to create a just government, ensure peace, provide an adequate national defense, and foster a healthy, free nation. The Framers' Constitution has been interpreted and upheld over time through Supreme Court opinions and decisions, with justices striving to implement faithfully the Framers' goals in an ever-changing society.
Madison's Vision: The Constitution's Foundation
You may want to see also
The Founding Fathers' influence
The Founding Fathers, also known as the Framers of the Constitution, were a group of 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. They were responsible for drafting and shaping the United States Constitution, which defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States.
The Founding Fathers had a significant influence on the creation and philosophy of the United States. They outlined their general goals in the Preamble to the Constitution, which included establishing a just government, ensuring peace, providing national defence, and fostering a healthy, free nation. The Constitution was designed to address issues such as the role of the federal government, slavery, and the American Revolution.
Some of the most notable Founding Fathers include George Washington, who presided over the Constitutional Convention and later became the first president of the United States; James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting the document and promoting the Bill of Rights; Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate, known for his wisdom and diplomacy; Alexander Hamilton, a key author of the Federalist Papers who advocated for a strong central government; Roger Sherman, who proposed the Great Compromise that shaped the legislative structure; James Wilson, who played a significant role in drafting the Constitution and argued for the direct election of the President; and Gouverneur Morris, credited with writing the Preamble and much of the Constitution's final text.
The Founding Fathers' accomplishments and shortcomings have been the subject of scholarly debate. While they created a form of government that was unique for its time, they also had their limitations, such as their inability to fully address issues like slavery and the debt owed after the American Revolutionary War. Historians and scholars emphasize the importance of viewing the Founding Fathers within the context of their time, recognizing their contributions while also acknowledging their failures.
US Constitution: Who Does it Protect?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Framers of the US Constitution, also known as the Founding Fathers, were a group of 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
The Framers helped draft the Constitution of the United States and participated in debates and compromises that ultimately shaped it. They outlined their general goals in the Preamble to the Constitution, which included creating a just government, ensuring peace, and securing national defence.
Some notable Framers include George Washington, who presided over the convention; James Madison, often called the "Father of the Constitution"; Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate known for his wisdom; Alexander Hamilton, a key author of the Federalist Papers; and Roger Sherman, who proposed the Great Compromise.
The Framers had strong educational backgrounds and extensive political experience. Many had taken part in the American Revolution, and some had served in the Continental Congress and colonial and state governments. They practised a wide range of high and middle-status occupations.
Out of the 55 delegates, only 39 Framers signed the Constitution.
