Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution is the world's oldest and shortest national constitution. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by a majority of delegates attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Constitution established the fundamental laws of the nation and has protected and guaranteed certain basic rights to its citizens. It also places the government's power into the hands of its citizens and outlines the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the government. The Constitution is considered a descendant of the 17th-century Massachusetts Bay Company charter, which functioned as a Charter Constitution and allowed the company's founders and residents of New England to govern themselves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Signatories | Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson |
| Purpose | To establish a national government and fundamental laws, protect individual freedom, guarantee certain basic rights to citizens, and place the government's power into the hands of citizens |
| Powers | Legislative, executive, and judicial |
| Amendments | First 15 Amendments |
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What You'll Learn
- The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787
- The signing took place at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia
- Benjamin Franklin gave a speech advocating for unity behind the Constitution
- The Massachusetts Bay Company charter influenced the US Constitution
- Constitution Week is celebrated annually to commemorate the signing of the document
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787
The US Constitution, the country's most influential document, was signed on September 17, 1787, by the Founding Fathers. The signing of the document took place in Philadelphia, and it established the national government and fundamental laws of the United States. It also protected and guaranteed certain basic rights to citizens, such as the right to vote, the right to protest, and freedom of speech.
The Constitution places the government's power into the hands of its citizens and outlines the structure of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances. It is the world's shortest and oldest national constitution, and its signing is commemorated annually on September 17, known as Constitution Day.
The creation of the US Constitution was a lengthy process that began on May 25, 1787, in Philadelphia. The convention was presided over by General George Washington, who was unanimously elected president. The delegates met for the last time on September 17, and Benjamin Franklin, unable to attend, had his speech delivered by his colleague, James Wilson. Franklin appealed for unity behind the Constitution, expressing his belief in the necessity of a central government.
The final imprint of the six-page Constitution was printed by John Dunlap and David Claypoole, with copies distributed to the states for ratification. By January 9, 1788, five states had approved the Constitution: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. The eventual outcome remained uncertain in pivotal states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. However, the Federalists played a significant role in swaying these states towards ratification, and the Constitution was eventually ratified by the required nine states.
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The signing took place at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia
The signing of the United States Constitution took place on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia. This event marked the culmination of the Constitutional Convention, which had begun in May of that year with General George Washington elected unanimously as its president. The convention was held at the Pennsylvania State House, with guards stationed at the entrances to maintain privacy.
The signing of the Constitution established a central government and fundamental laws for the nation, outlining the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It separated the powers of the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial, creating a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from holding too much power.
The document was signed by a majority of the delegates in attendance, with some, including Mason, Gerry, and Randolph, withholding their signatures. Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the process, acknowledged the Constitution's faults but supported it, recognising the need for a central government. Franklin's colleague, James Wilson, delivered a speech appealing for unity behind the Constitution, expressing confidence in its ability to astonish their enemies and unite the states.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant milestone in American history, and its impact has been felt around the world. It is celebrated annually on September 17, designated as Constitution Day, with the week starting on that date recognised as Constitution Week. The city of Philadelphia, where the Constitution was born, commemorated its 200th anniversary in 1987 with a grand celebration, highlighting the document's enduring importance.
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Benjamin Franklin gave a speech advocating for unity behind the Constitution
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin gave a speech advocating for unity behind the Constitution. Eighty-one years old and suffering from gout and kidney stones, Franklin was unable to deliver the speech himself and asked his colleague James Wilson to read it on his behalf. The speech was addressed to George Washington, the president of the convention, and aimed to convince the three delegates—Gerry of Massachusetts, Randolph of Virginia, and Mason, also of Virginia—who had refused to sign the Constitution.
Franklin began his speech with a humble tone, acknowledging that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of but expressing openness to changing his mind based on new information or further consideration. He appealed for unity, declaring:
> "I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats."
Franklin's speech was not enough to persuade Gerry, Randolph, and Mason to sign, and they maintained their opposition. However, Franklin's words highlighted his belief in the importance of unity and his hope for the durability of the Constitution. Indeed, in a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in November 1789, Franklin wrote:
> "Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."
This quote, known as one of Franklin's last great quotes, underscores his advocacy for unity and his recognition of the significance of the Constitution, even amidst uncertainty.
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The Massachusetts Bay Company charter influenced the US Constitution
The Massachusetts Bay Company charter, also known as the "Charter Constitution", significantly influenced the US Constitution. Granted by King Charles I of England in 1628, the charter formally incorporated the joint-stock company for the colonisation of Massachusetts Bay. It defined the regulations of the company, the land it was granted, and the rights and privileges of the colonists.
The Massachusetts Bay Company charter is considered unique for its absence of a clause requiring the company to remain in England. This allowed the company's founders and New England residents to govern themselves independently from English rule. The charter gave the company "full and absolute power and authority to correct, punish, pardon, govern, and rule" all New England residents and granted them the authority to pass "laws and ordinances". This level of autonomy and self-governance provided by the charter served as a precursor to the US Constitution's emphasis on limited government and federalism.
The charter also played a crucial role in shaping the social and political culture of New England. As the colonists faced increasing threats of dissolution from the crown, the "Charter Constitution" gained importance as a consensual source of sovereign authority. The charter's recognition of the rights and liberties of the colonists, including "all liberties and immunities of free and natural subjects", set a precedent for the protection of individual rights in the US Constitution.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Bay Company charter's influence extended beyond the scope of governance. The colony was strongly Puritan, and its leaders were influenced by Puritan teachings. This religious influence shaped the social and cultural landscape of the colony, contributing to the development of a society based on religious beliefs, separate from the Royal Anglican government of England. The impact of Puritan ideals on the social fabric of the colony may have also had indirect implications for the drafting of the US Constitution, particularly regarding the separation of church and state.
Moreover, the Massachusetts Bay Company charter's legacy can be seen in the development of other colonial charters. By the 1760s, almost all the colonies were governed by "charter governments", and these charters provided the templates for America's first written state constitutions. The influence of the Massachusetts Bay Company charter on subsequent colonial charters and state constitutions further underscores its significance in shaping the foundations of American constitutionalism and self-governance.
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Constitution Week is celebrated annually to commemorate the signing of the document
Constitution Week is celebrated annually from September 17–23 to commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution, America's most important document. It stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms, and inalienable rights. The week is dedicated to observing the history and importance of the Constitution and bringing attention to how it is still relevant today.
The celebration of Constitution Week was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, DAR petitioned the U.S. Congress to set aside the week of September 17–23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, establishing the government of the United States. The day, September 17, is also designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate this historic event. Educational institutions that receive federal funding are required to hold educational programs about the U.S. Constitution for their students on or around this date.
Constitution Week is a great opportunity for Americans to learn more about this foundational document and celebrate the freedoms it has bestowed upon them. It is a time to reflect on the history and evolution of the Constitution and its enduring significance in shaping the nation's laws and values. By participating in events and activities during this week, Americans can gain a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and appreciate the efforts of their forefathers in securing their liberties.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
The US Constitution was signed in Philadelphia.
The US Constitution was signed by a majority of delegates attending the Constitutional Convention.
The US Constitution is a national constitution that outlines the fundamental laws and basic rights of US citizens. It separates the powers of the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
The US Constitution is significant because it is the world's shortest and oldest national constitution, and it put governance in the hands of the people, allowing them to select their own form of government.
