Malcolm Rivera
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing of the document, which established the government of the United States, was preceded by four months of fierce debate and compromise. The Constitutional Convention, led by George Washington, addressed the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation. The final document was signed by 39 delegates, representing 12 states, with Rhode Island being the only state not in attendance. The U.S. Constitution lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—are to function.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of Signers | 39 |
| Represented States | 12 |
| Absent State | Rhode Island |
| Refusal to Sign | 3 delegates |
| Youngest Signer | Jonathan Dayton, 26 |
| Oldest Signer | Benjamin Franklin, 81 |
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What You'll Learn
Signing date: 17th September 1787
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This building, now known as Independence Hall, had earlier seen the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Articles of Confederation. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long convention that began on May 25, 1787, when delegates representing every state except Rhode Island convened in Philadelphia.
The final document, engrossed by Jacob Shallus, was taken up on the final day of the convention, Monday, September 17. Several of the delegates were disappointed by the numerous compromises contained in the final document, believing that they had impaired its quality. Some delegates left before the ceremony and three others refused to sign. In total, the Constitution was signed by 39 delegates, representing 12 states. The signatures were witnessed and verified by the convention's secretary, William Jackson, who added a note to authenticate its validity.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant event in American history, as it laid out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineated the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The document also included an introductory paragraph, known as the Preamble, which stated the purposes of the new government and introduced the idea that the people, not the states, were the source of the government's legitimacy.
Within three days of its signing, the Constitution was submitted to the Congress of the Confederation, then sitting in New York City, the nation's temporary capital. Beginning on December 7, five states—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut—ratified it in quick succession. However, other states, especially Massachusetts, opposed the document due to concerns over the delegation of powers and the lack of protection for basic political rights. A compromise was reached in February 1788, and the Constitution was narrowly ratified in several states, with New Hampshire becoming the ninth state to do so on June 21, 1788.
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Signing location: Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The US Constitution was signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Construction of the building began in 1732 and lasted for over two decades. It was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House and served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, a body of representatives from each of the thirteen British North American colonies.
Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the US Constitution (1787) were debated, written into law, and signed. The Declaration of Independence was unanimously approved on July 4, 1776, and the document was read aloud to the public in the area now known as Independence Square. The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates).
The Assembly Room is the heart of Independence Hall, and it is where these two monumental documents were signed. The building also houses the iconic "rising sun" chair used by George Washington. Visitors can also see the adjacent Supreme Court and Legislative Buildings, which housed the government for the first 10 years before relocating to New York City and then Washington, D.C.
Independence Hall is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Independence National Historic Park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, but they must make a reservation in advance.
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Number of signers: 39
The US Constitution was signed by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states. The signing took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This followed a four-month-long convention that began in May 1787, with 55 delegates from 12 states meeting to discuss improvements to the Articles of Confederation.
The 39 signers included Jonathan Dayton, the youngest at 26, and Benjamin Franklin, the oldest at 81. Franklin, despite having some reservations about the document, accepted the Constitution, saying, "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them." He continued, "I am not sure that it is not the best", and hoped for unanimous support from the 12 states represented.
The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a process that began with the recognition of the need for a stronger federal government than what was provided by the Articles of Confederation. The delegates to the convention made decisions and compromises on critical issues, including how to elect a president, fair representation in Congress, and the role of slaves in the population. The final draft of the Constitution, presented on September 12, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement.
The 39 signatures on the closing endorsement of the Constitution served as an essential authentication of the document's validity. The signers subscribed their names as witnesses to the convention's proceedings, rather than on behalf of their respective states. This endorsement also included a brief declaration stating that the delegates' work had been successfully completed and that those who signed agreed to the final document.
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Signers' roles: Revolutionary, military, government
The US Constitution was signed in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1787. Of the 39 signers, virtually all had participated in the American Revolution, seven had signed the Declaration of Independence, and 30 had served in the military. The signers represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments.
Revolutionary Roles
Many of the signers of the US Constitution were also figures in the Revolutionary War. William Leigh Pierce, for example, was a decorated Revolutionary War veteran and Georgia politician who supported the Constitution. He participated in three debates at the Convention but had to leave early due to business troubles. Richard Bassett and Jacob Broom, part of the Delaware Delegation, also served as captains of Dover militia troops during the Revolution. Bassett was a trained lawyer and planter, while Broom was a planter, surveyor, and merchant.
Military Roles
Several signers of the US Constitution had notable military careers. George Washington, for instance, was a revolutionary war general who later became the first President of the United States. He played an important role in the Constitutional Convention by signing a letter supporting the Constitution, making it harder for those who wanted to minimise the federal government's power.
Government Roles
Some signers of the US Constitution went on to hold important government positions. William Samuel Johnson, a career politician for Connecticut, passionately debated equal representation for small states and served as chair of the Committee of Style that crafted the final version of the Constitution. He later served in the United States Senate and as president of Columbia College. Alexander Hamilton, who was from New York, was also part of the Committee of Style and Arrangement. He was the lone remaining delegate from New York and advocated for the Constitution.
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Signing ceremony: Farewell dinner at City Tavern
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing ceremony marked the conclusion of a four-month-long convention, with 39 delegates from 12 states endorsing the Constitution.
Following the signing, there was likely a farewell dinner held at the City Tavern in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the specific details of this dinner, such as the menu and bill, have not been preserved. However, we can imagine the atmosphere of celebration and relief as the delegates concluded their work and looked forward to returning to their respective states.
The City Tavern was a popular gathering place for the delegates during the Constitutional Convention. It was known for its elegant surroundings and delicious food, providing a space for delegates to relax, socialize, and even hold extra-legal town meetings away from the formal sessions at the State House. The tavern played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution, with many important discussions and decisions taking place over dinner and drinks.
One can picture the delegates raising a glass to toast the signing of the Constitution, celebrating their achievement, and perhaps also reflecting on the challenges and compromises that had been made. The farewell dinner marked the end of an intense period of debate and collaboration, and the beginning of a new era for the nation.
While we may not have all the details of the farewell dinner, we can appreciate the significance of the occasion and the role that the City Tavern played in providing a space for delegates to come together, celebrate, and continue their work toward building a new nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
39 delegates signed the US Constitution, representing 12 states. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Wilson were among the signatories.
The US Constitution is a four-page document that lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) function.
The US Constitution was signed to establish a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting relations with foreign governments, and to address the problems of a weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
