Jonah Patel
The US Constitution, drafted in 1787, was the result of fiery and intense debates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Several key figures are remembered for their contributions to the Constitution, including George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Roger Sherman. Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention, providing a sense of focus and direction. Madison, often regarded as the Father of the Constitution, was a driving force behind the convention and later wrote the Federalist Papers to persuade states to ratify the Constitution. Hamilton played a crucial role in defending the Constitution during the ratification process, particularly at the New York ratifying convention, where he passionately advocated for ratification. Roger Sherman proposed the Connecticut Compromise or Great Compromise, which addressed the issue of representation in Congress by balancing the interests of large and small states. These individuals and others contributed to the creation and defence of the Constitution during the 1800s, shaping the foundation of American government and democracy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Alexander Hamilton |
| Origin | New York |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Political Ideology | Federalist |
| Achievements | Helped ensure the Constitution's ratification; helped build the economic system of the new nation as Treasury Secretary under President George Washington; co-authored the Federalist Papers, which promoted the ratification of the Constitution |
| Opponents | Anti-Federalists |
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What You'll Learn
James Madison Jr. was a driving force behind the convention
Madison, along with John Tyler, proposed that the Continental Congress be empowered to regulate commerce throughout the Confederation. They called for a convention in Annapolis, Maryland, in September 1786, to discuss these commercial problems. Madison collaborated with Alexander Hamilton, a young lawyer from New York, to issue a report on the Annapolis meeting, urging Congress to summon delegates from all states. This led to the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia, where Madison played a pivotal role.
Known as the "Father of the Constitution," Madison came to the convention well-prepared, armed with his Virginia Plan, which served as the basis for the convention's deliberations. He diligently recorded the debates and compromises in his "Notes of Debates of the Federal Convention of 1787", offering a detailed account of the four months of discussions that culminated in the creation of the Constitution. Madison's partnership with George Washington was instrumental in making the convention a reality, and Washington's presence added legitimacy to the gathering.
Following the convention, Madison joined Hamilton and John Jay in writing The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 pro-ratification essays. These essays were crucial in advocating for the ratification of the Constitution by the states. Madison also contributed to the Bill of Rights by writing the first ten amendments adopted by the first Congress. Madison's dedication to strengthening the republican government and addressing the challenges of his time solidified his legacy as a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention and the foundation of the United States.
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Alexander Hamilton's economic policies saved the US economy
Alexander Hamilton is remembered for his defence of the Constitution during the 1800s. Hamilton was a passionate supporter of the Constitution, and his efforts to pass it were invaluable to his nation. Hamilton's economic policies were instrumental in saving the US economy.
Hamilton's Report on Public Credit laid the groundwork for the nation's economic future. He analysed the financial standing of the country and made recommendations to improve its credit rating internationally. Hamilton believed that the federal government was obligated to direct the economy and encourage manufacturers. He also proposed the creation of a federal bank, which was approved. This completed his vision for the country's future, putting it on solid footing.
Hamilton's innovative financial policies helped overcome the fiscal problems of the Confederacy. He tackled the issue of public credit, which had been neglected during the Revolution, with states' IOUs viewed as nearly worthless. Hamilton's solution was the First Bank of the United States, which standardised American currency and helped manage national debt. He also established a national mint, arguing that standardised coins and paper money would benefit all citizens.
Hamilton's policies were not without controversy. His pro-British stance and commitment to a British model of economic development were unpopular in the wake of the Revolution. He favoured an elitist attitude and an even stronger central government than the Constitution had created. However, his policies benefited an economic elite with whom he had close ties. Hamilton's economic philosophies became touchstones of the modern American capitalist economy.
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George Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention
George Washington was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention on May 25, 1787. Robert Morris of Pennsylvania, the "financier" of the Revolution, nominated Washington for the presidency of the Constitutional Convention. Washington expressed his embarrassment at his lack of qualifications to preside over such a body and apologized for any errors he might make during the deliberations. However, his presence gave the gathering an air of importance and legitimacy.
The convention had its origins in a proposal offered by Madison and John Tyler in the Virginia assembly that the Continental Congress be empowered to regulate commerce throughout the Confederation. Madison and Alexander Hamilton, a young lawyer from New York, issued a report on the meeting in Annapolis, calling upon Congress to summon delegates from all the states. The convention was convened to address the political and economic dilemmas plaguing America at the time, particularly the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, which gave the central government insufficient power.
Madison and Hamilton, both Federalists, played a crucial role in defending the Constitution during the ratification debates. They worked to convince the states to ratify the Constitution, arguing for a strong central government to provide order and stability. Hamilton, in particular, was instrumental in driving the Constitution through the New York convention with his focused logic and persuasive abilities.
George Washington, as the first president of the United States, also played a significant role in shaping the office's future role and powers, setting precedents for future presidents. He was unanimously elected as the first president in 1789, receiving 69 electoral votes and the support of each participating state. Washington's election as president was preceded by his unanimous election as president of the Constitutional Convention, where he helped set up the framework for the new government.
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Roger Sherman proposed the Connecticut Compromise
Roger Sherman is remembered for proposing the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise of 1787 or the Sherman Compromise. This proposal was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that defined the legislative structure and representation of each state under the United States Constitution.
Sherman's proposal retained the bicameral legislature, with proportional representation of the states in the lower house or House of Representatives. Each state would have two members in the upper house or Senate. This compromise was reached during a deadlock over whether to grant each state an equal vote in the upper house, with five states in favour, five opposed, and one divided.
Sherman's proposal was modified by Benjamin Franklin to make it more acceptable to the larger states. Franklin added the requirement that revenue bills originate in the House. This compromise was a setback for nationalists, but it allowed deliberations to continue and led to the Three-fifths Compromise, further complicating the issue of popular representation.
The Connecticut Compromise was significant because it helped to define the structure of Congress and the number of representatives each state would have. It was a compromise between delegates of states with large and small populations, pleasing both sides. This agreement was essential in shaping the United States Constitution, and many historians argue that without it, there may not have been a U.S. Constitution at all.
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William Paterson safeguarded the rights of small states
William Paterson, an Irish-born American jurist, was one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. He played a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of small states during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Paterson, who represented New Jersey at the Convention, proposed the New Jersey Plan, also known as the Paterson Plan. This plan advocated for equal representation for all states in Congress, regardless of their size or population. He feared that the interests of small states would be overlooked if representation was based on population. In his own words, he stated, "I would rather submit to a Monarch, to a despot, than to such a fate."
The Virginia Plan, or the large-state plan, proposed proportional representation, which would give more power to states with larger populations. Paterson's New Jersey Plan was a direct opposition to this idea, ensuring that small states had an equal voice in the legislative process.
The issue of representation was a contentious one, with delegates from both large and small states advocating for their interests. The compromise was eventually reached with the creation of a bicameral Congress. This compromise, known as the Connecticut Compromise, gave representation by population in the House of Representatives while providing equality of states in the Senate.
William Paterson's efforts were instrumental in securing the ratification of the final Constitution in New Jersey. He was later elected as one of the state's first two U.S. senators and served as governor of New Jersey from 1790 to 1793. In 1793, he became an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position he held until his death in 1806.
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Frequently asked questions
Alexander Hamilton is remembered for his defence of the Constitution during the 1800s. Hamilton was a key figure in the New York ratifying convention in Albany in June 1788, where he faced 47 Anti-Federalists. His logical and persuasive arguments proved critical in achieving ratification.
The Federalists were supporters of the Constitution during the ratification debates. They defended the Constitution's strengthened national government, with its greater congressional powers, more powerful executive, and independent judiciary.
George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Roger Sherman, William Paterson, and George Mason were all key players at the Constitutional Convention.
The outcome of the Constitutional Convention was the creation of a new government. The Constitution was drafted and signed by 39 delegates, and the Federalists worked to persuade states to ratify it.
