Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington, the President of the Convention, signed the Constitution, along with 38 other delegates. Washington's signature can be found on the document, along with those of the other delegates who endorsed the Constitution. The signing of the Constitution marked the end of a four-month-long convention and fierce debates over the future of the United States, with Washington playing a crucial mediating role in the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 September 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of Signatures | 39 |
| Position of George Washington's Signature | President of the Convention |
| Number of Delegates | 74 |
| Number of States Represented | 12 |
| State Not Represented | Rhode Island |
| Age of Youngest Signer | 26 (Jonathan Dayton) |
| Age of Oldest Signer | 81 (Benjamin Franklin) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
George Washington's signature on the US Constitution
George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution. He presided over the Constitutional Convention, mediating intense and lengthy debates about the future of the United States. On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates endorsed the Constitution, signing the document at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington's signature appears on the Constitution, along with the other delegates.
The signing of the US Constitution marked the culmination of four months of fierce debate among the delegates. The Constitution laid the foundation for a more perfect union, outlining the framework for the nation's federal government and the functioning of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The document was engrossed (transcribed in a clear hand) by Jacob Shallus, the assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was paid $30 for his efforts.
George Washington, as the President of the Convention, played a pivotal role in facilitating the compromises necessary to create this bold, new government. While he remained mostly tight-lipped during the debates, his opinions were the subject of much speculation. Federalists readily used his image and the fact that he signed the document to support the ratification of the Constitution. They argued that if a virtuous figure like Washington supported the Constitution, its ratification was essential.
In addition to his signature on the Constitution, George Washington also wrote a letter on September 17, 1787, as the President of the Convention, to the President of Congress. In this letter, he expressed his support for the Constitution, acknowledging its imperfections but praising the amendment provision that allowed for corrections. This letter, written by Gouverneur Morris but signed by Washington, was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed.
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Signing of the Constitution," completed in 1940, depicts the historic moment of the signing of the US Constitution. The 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the US Capitol.
Framers' Vision: Democracy and the Constitution
You may want to see also
Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention
George Washington played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 14 to September 17, 1787. The Convention aimed to address issues that had emerged while the newly independent nation operated under the Articles of Confederation following independence from Great Britain. Washington's attendance and support for the Constitution were significant in calming anxieties about the future of the young nation.
Washington was initially reluctant to attend the Convention but was persuaded by prominent individuals, including James Madison, who believed his presence was essential. Once at the Convention, Washington was unanimously elected its president. He presided over intense and lengthy debates, facilitating an atmosphere of compromise. Washington himself remained mostly silent during these discussions, and his opinions were the subject of much speculation.
After four months, the delegates reached an agreement and created the United States Constitution. Washington signed the document on September 17, 1787, along with 38 other delegates representing 12 states. Rhode Island declined to send delegates. Washington's signature carried significant weight, and Federalists used his support to advocate for the Constitution's ratification.
In addition to signing the Constitution, Washington wrote a letter on September 17, 1787, as president of the Convention, to the president of Congress. In this letter, written by Gouverneur Morris but signed by Washington, he expressed his support for the Constitution, stating that it emerged from "a spirit of amity and of that mutual deference and concession." This letter was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed, and it played a crucial role in garnering support for ratification.
Washington also sent copies of the Constitution to influential figures, including Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as former governors of Virginia, to gain their backing. His private correspondence revealed his desire to see the Constitution adopted, acknowledging its imperfections but praising its amendment provision. Washington's strong support convinced many to vote in favour of ratification, and by May 29, 1790, all states had ratified the Constitution.
The Right to Wear the American Flag
You may want to see also
Washington's letters about the Constitution
George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution, serving as president of the Constitutional Convention and guiding the lengthy debates that led to its formation. While Washington remained largely silent during the Convention, his private letters reveal his strong support for the Constitution and his desire to see it adopted, despite acknowledging its imperfections.
In his letters, Washington emphasised the importance of a unified nation and the need for a central government with powers to tax, maintain an army, and regulate commerce. He praised the amendment provision of the Constitution, recognising its value in addressing future challenges. Washington's signature on the Constitution, alongside his letter of 17 September 1787 as president of the Convention, carried significant weight in the push for its ratification.
One of Washington's notable correspondences was his letter to Charles Carter on 14 December 1787. In this letter, Washington discussed farming matters but also briefly shared his opinions on the Constitution. He wrote about his support for the Constitution and his desire to see it implemented, acknowledging its imperfections but recognising the potential for amendments.
Another letter, dated 17 September 1787, was addressed to the President of Congress. In this letter, Washington, as the President of the Convention, transmitted the Constitution for consideration. He emphasised the spirit of amity and mutual deference that led to the creation of the document. Washington acknowledged that it might not meet the full approbation of every state but expressed hope that it would promote the welfare, freedom, and happiness of the nation.
Washington's letters also shed light on his commitment to public service and his vision for an energetic republic uniting the states. In his 1783 Circular Letter to the States, he expressed his despair over the Confederation's financial challenges and his desire for a strong central government. Washington's private correspondence, though occasionally published without his consent, provided valuable insights into his thoughts and contributions to the formation of the United States Constitution.
Founding Fathers: Religious Beliefs and the Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Constitution's signing location and date
George Washington played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution. He presided over the Constitutional Convention, carefully mediating the intense and lengthy debates that took place during the spring and summer of 1787. As president of the Convention, he signed a letter to the President of Congress, Arthur St. Clair, on 17 September 1787, accompanying the Constitution. This letter, written by Gouverneur Morris, stated that the Constitution was the result of "a spirit of amity and of that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable".
The U.S. Constitution was signed on 17 September 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington was one of 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who endorsed the Constitution, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates). The signing ceremony took place after four months of fierce debate, during which the delegates created the U.S. Constitution as we know it today.
The delegates' endorsement of the Constitution included a brief declaration stating that their work had been successfully completed and that those signing the document subscribed to its final form. It also included a statement of its adoption by the states present and a formulaic dating of that adoption. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note verifying four amendments made by hand to the final document and signed it to authenticate its validity.
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Signing of the Constitution", depicts this historic event. Completed in 1940, the 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the U.S. Capitol. The painting captures the significance of the moment, with 37 out of the 39 delegates and the Secretary, William Jackson, portrayed in the scene.
Liberal or Conservative: Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Political Leanings
You may want to see also
The significance of Washington's signature
George Washington's signature on the Constitution of the United States holds immense significance. Washington, as president of the Constitutional Convention, played a pivotal role in the founding of the American Republic. His signature on the Constitution symbolises not only his endorsement of the document but also his leadership in creating a bold, new government.
Washington's signature carries the weight of his reputation as a respected leader and military figure. He was a crucial force in the intense and lengthy debates that preceded the signing of the Constitution. His careful mediation facilitated the compromises necessary to unite the states and establish a federal government. Washington's presence and influence were instrumental in navigating the complex political landscape of the time.
Furthermore, Washington's signature on the Constitution became a powerful symbol for Federalists advocating for its ratification. They leveraged his image and support for the Constitution to gain public approval. Washington's signature and his private letters, in which he expressed his backing for the Constitution, were used as compelling evidence of its importance. The Federalists emphasised that if a virtuous and respected leader like Washington endorsed the Constitution, it should be embraced by all.
The absence of Washington's signature, or his opposition to the document, could have significantly altered the trajectory of American history. It underscores the unity and consensus that the Constitution aimed to achieve among the states. Washington's signature represents not just his individual approval but also his belief in the necessity of a strong and unified nation. His signature serves as a testament to his dedication to the ideals of liberty, democracy, and a more perfect union.
The Home-Buying Experience: A Sample Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, George Washington signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787.
George Washington signed the Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention as its president. He played a crucial role in mediating the intense and lengthy debates that took place during the four months leading up to the signing of the Constitution.
