Jonah Patel
The US Constitution, which outlines the framework for the nation's federal government and its three branches, was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the 74 delegates chosen, 55 attended, and 39 signed the document. While the signatures of these delegates vary in size, the discussion of who had the biggest signature is not well documented. However, it is known that George Washington signed near the right margin of the page, and when space ran out, a second column of signatures was started to the left.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John Hancock |
| Document | Declaration of Independence |
| Signature size | 1.3 inches tall and 4.7 inches wide |
| Signature size in square inches | 6.1 square inches |
| Comparison with Sam Adams' signature | 5 times bigger |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing occurred at the conclusion of the four-month-long Constitutional Convention, which began on May 25, 1787. The convention was attended by 55 of the 74 chosen delegates, representing 12 of the 13 states—all except Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates.
The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus and was signed by 39 delegates, with the endorsement including signatures, a declaration of the delegates' successful completion of their work, and a statement of the document's adoption by the states present. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note verifying four hand-written amendments and signed it for authentication.
The Constitutional Convention was presided over by George Washington, who was a delegate from Virginia and a Revolutionary War hero. The delegates at the convention included some of the greatest minds of the day, such as James Madison, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, and, for a while, Alexander Hamilton. Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was the oldest signer of the Constitution and made the motion to sign the document in his final speech. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest signer.
The Constitution laid out the framework for the nation's federal government and the functioning of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It replaced the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation with a new form of republican government. The document was the result of intense debates and a brilliant federal organization characterized by a system of checks and balances.
John Jay's Influence: Shaping the US Constitution
You may want to see also
39 delegates representing 12 states endorsed the Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates representing 12 states endorsed the Constitution, which was created during the four-month-long convention. The signing of the Constitution was its closing protocol, which included a declaration that the delegates' work had been completed and that those whose signatures appear on it agreed to the final document.
The 12 states represented at the convention were Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Rhode Island was the only state that did not send any delegates to the convention.
The delegates who signed the Constitution included George Washington, the convention's president, as well as Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer at 26, and Benjamin Franklin, the oldest signer at 81. Franklin, a Pennsylvania delegate, summed up the sentiments of those who signed the Constitution, acknowledging its imperfections but accepting it as the best option.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant event in American history, as it laid the framework for the nation's federal government and outlined the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The delegates who signed represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. Many of them had also served in the American Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces.
The Constitution Signers: Felons or Patriots?
You may want to see also
The youngest signer was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton
The signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the 74 delegates chosen, 55 attended, and 39 signed the document. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest of these 39 signers.
Jonathan Dayton was born in 1760 in what is now Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was a delegate from New Jersey to the United States Constitutional Convention. He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and was later elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving as the fourth person to hold the position of Speaker of the House. Dayton also served as the United States Senator from New Jersey and was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party.
Dayton's signature on the Constitution is a significant reminder of his contribution to the founding of the nation, and his commitment to shaping its future. At 26, he was part of a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in state government, and his signature sits alongside those of other key figures of the time, including Benjamin Franklin, who, at 81, was the oldest signer.
The signing of the Constitution was a momentous occasion, with delegates from 12 states endorsing the document. The signatures were grouped by states, listed geographically from north to south, and the convention's secretary, William Jackson, also signed to authenticate corrections. The Constitution has endured as one of the most remarkable achievements in human history, with few amendments needed, and it continues to stand the test of time.
Enlightenment Writers: Constitution's Greatest Influences
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest signer
The signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, endorsed the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest signer. He was a Pennsylvania delegate and the first signer to pass away, in April 1790.
Franklin was a strong supporter of the Constitution. On the final day of the Constitutional Convention, he delivered an address endorsing the Constitution, despite its imperfections. He proposed that the delegates endorse the Constitution as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present, which was agreed upon. This meant that the signers subscribed their names as witnesses to what was done in the convention, rather than on behalf of particular states.
The signing of the Constitution was the final step in the convention. The document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus and taken up on the final session of the convention. The signatures were added in two columns, with the names grouped by states from north to south. The signatures were also accompanied by a brief declaration stating that the delegates' work had been successfully completed and that those who signed subscribed to the final document.
Benjamin Franklin is known for his optimism and support for the Constitution. He remarked that he was astonished by how close to perfection the system was. His signature on the Constitution was not his first appearance on a significant document, as he was also one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
Facultative vs. Constitutive Skin Color: Understanding the Difference
You may want to see also
Some delegates chose not to sign the document
The Signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 74 individuals were selected to attend the Constitutional Convention, but only 55 delegates participated, and 39 signed the document. Several attendees left before the signing ceremony, and three of the 42 who remained refused to sign.
> In refusing to sign the Constitution, I take a step which might be the most awful of my life, but it is dictated by my conscience, and it is not possible for me to hesitate, much less, to change.
Gerry explained his belief that two opposing views and fundamental differences were at work:
> One [view is] devoted to democracy, the worst of all political evils, the other [view is] as violent in the opposite extreme.
In his view, the Constitution combined the negative aspects of both options and would never succeed.
Alexander Hamilton was also disappointed by the numerous compromises contained in the final document, calling the Constitution a "weak and worthless fabric", certain to be superseded.
Education in the Constitution: Where Does It Stand?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
I am sorry, I could not find information on who had the biggest signature on the US Constitution. However, here are some interesting facts about the signing of the US Constitution:
- There were 39 signatures on the US Constitution.
- Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution.
- Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest person to sign the Constitution.
- George Washington signed near the right margin of the page, and when they ran out of space, a second column of signatures was started to the left.
Unfortunately, I could not find the names of all 39 people who signed the Constitution, but here are some of them:
- Gunning Bedford Jr.
- Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer
- William Blount
- Richard Dobbs Spaight
- James Madison Jr.
Some of the men who chose not to sign the Constitution include:
- Edmund Randolph
- George Mason
- Elbridge Gerry
Some people chose not to sign the Constitution because they did not agree with everything in it. They wanted a Bill of Rights to specifically outline and protect certain freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.
