The Constitution's Signing: Congress Adjournment Date And History

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, endorsed the Constitution. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note to verify four amendments made by hand to the final document, and signed the note to authenticate its validity. The delegates then adjourned at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The Constitution established the government of the United States, outlining the nation's federal government and delineating how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) would function.

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The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787

The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long Constitutional Convention that began in May 1787. The Convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution. However, it became clear by mid-June that the Convention would draft an entirely new frame of government. The final document was created through intense debate, discussion, and compromise, and it addressed crucial issues such as the power of the central government, congressional representation, and the slave trade.

On September 17, 1787, 38 or 39 delegates representing 12 states endorsed the Constitution. The endorsement included signatures, a brief declaration of successful completion, and a statement of adoption by the states present. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note verifying four amendments made to the document and signed it to authenticate its validity. The signing of the Constitution was a cooperative effort, with delegates bringing their diverse experiences from the American Revolution, local and colonial government, and military service.

The US Constitution faced opposition and criticism, with some delegates withholding their signatures. Concerns centred around the absence of a bill of rights and the concentration of power in the central government. Despite these disagreements, the Constitution was a compromise that aimed to meet the immediate needs of the thirteen states and their approximately four million people. The work of many minds, it stands as a testament to cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.

39 framers signed the Constitution

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This four-page document established the government of the United States and its federal framework. The signing took place during the Constitutional Convention, which began in May of the same year. The convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution. However, it soon became clear that a completely new constitution was needed.

The Constitutional Convention was attended by 74 delegates representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island). Of these delegates, 55 attended the signing ceremony, and 39 signed the Constitution. The remaining three of the 42 delegates who stayed until the end refused to sign. The signatories included Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer at 26, and Benjamin Franklin, the oldest at 81. Virtually all of the signatories had participated in the American Revolution, seven had signed the Declaration of Independence, and 30 had served in the military.

The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a process that began with concerns about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington feared that the young nation was on the brink of collapse due to issues such as territorial disputes and the lack of regulatory and enforcement powers under the Articles. Alexander Hamilton played a key role in convincing Congress to organise a Grand Convention of state delegates to address these issues.

The Constitutional Convention was marked by intense debates over issues such as congressional representation, the power of the central government, and slavery. The final document incorporated several compromises, leading to disappointment among some delegates. Despite this, the Constitution was endorsed by the delegates, with Benjamin Franklin appealing for unity and acknowledging the need for future amendments. The signing of the Constitution was a significant step in establishing the framework of the nation's federal government and addressing the challenges facing the country at the time.

The US Constitution was ratified by 11 states

The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, endorsed the Constitution. Rhode Island declined to send delegates. The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus.

The delegates whose signatures appear on the Constitution subscribed to the final document. The endorsement included a brief declaration that the delegates' work had been successfully completed. It also included a statement pronouncing the document's adoption by the states present, a formulaic dating of its adoption, and the signatures of those endorsing it. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note to verify four amendments made by hand to the final document, and signed the note to authenticate its validity.

The signing of the Constitution was the result of months of intense debate and discussion among the delegates. The delegates argued over how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress each state should have, and how these representatives should be elected. They also debated whether slavery should be included in the Constitution, ultimately agreeing that the slave trade could continue until 1808.

The Constitution established the federal government of the United States and delineated how its three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—would function. The endorsement of the Constitution served as an authentication of the document's validity, providing essential documentation of what had been agreed upon. It recorded who signed the Constitution, when, and where.

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Congress must assemble at least once per year

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This four-page document, drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787, established the government of the United States. The Constitutional Convention, convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, was attended by 55 of the 74 chosen delegates, and 39 signed the Constitution.

The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of intense debate and compromise among the delegates. The convention addressed critical issues such as congressional representation, the balance of power between the central government and the states, and the contentious issue of slavery. The final document reflected a series of compromises, leading some delegates to express disappointment and concern over its effectiveness. Despite these misgivings, Benjamin Franklin, in a strongly-worded address, appealed for unity behind the Constitution, acknowledging its imperfections but recognising its importance for the young nation.

The Constitution outlines the framework for the nation's federal government, delineating the roles of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The signing of the Constitution was a significant step in establishing a more robust and unified government for the United States, addressing the concerns of a young country on the brink of collapse due to disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade.

The Constitution also plays a crucial role in ensuring Congress meets regularly. According to Article I, Section 4, Clause 2, also known as the Adjournment Clause, the Congress shall assemble at least once every year. This clause ensures the continuity of legislative business and prevents either house from obstructing the legislative process by unilaterally adjourning. The clause was later superseded by the Twentieth Amendment, ratified in 1933, which stipulated that the Congress shall assemble annually, with the meeting commencing at noon on the third day of January unless a different day is appointed by law. This amendment further reinforces the importance of regular and timely gatherings of Congress to conduct the nation's business effectively.

The House of Representatives and the Senate can adjourn independently

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, endorsed the Constitution, which was created during a four-month-long convention. The signing of the Constitution established the government of the United States.

The Constitution outlines the framework for the nation's federal government and describes how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) should function. The legislative branch, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, has the power to adjourn independently, but with certain limitations.

According to Article I, Section 5, Clause 4 of the Constitution, neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate can adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. This provision ensures that one chamber cannot unilaterally obstruct the legislative process by adjourning indefinitely. It encourages cooperation and coordination between the two houses of Congress.

If the House of Representatives and the Senate cannot agree on when to adjourn for longer periods, the Constitution grants the President the authority to resolve the disagreement and adjourn them. This power is a check on the President's authority over Congress and differs from the British constitutional monarchy, where the king has the power to end a session of parliament at any time.

The House of Representatives and the Senate can use their adjournment power independently within the constraints outlined in the Constitution. This independence allows for flexibility and autonomy in their operations while also promoting collaboration and a unified legislative process.

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