The Signatories Of Special Constitutional Letters

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states (all but Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates). The signing of the Constitution occurred four months after the convention began, and the final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus. The signing of the Constitution was preceded by the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which used the same inkstand. The U.S. Constitution lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) are to function. The process for amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V and is overseen by the Archivist of the United States. The signing of the Constitution was accompanied by letters, including one written by George Washington, on behalf of the delegates, to the President of the Continental Congress, Arthur St. Clair.

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George Washington, the first American president, signed a letter supporting the constitution

George Washington, the first American president, played a crucial role in the founding of the American Republic. He was involved in military matters and the issues of governing, and his influence extended to the creation and signing of the United States Constitution.

On September 17, 1787, Washington signed a letter expressing his support for the Constitution. This letter, written by Gouverneur Morris, was addressed to the President of Congress and attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In the letter, Washington acknowledged that the Constitution was the result of "a spirit of amity and of that mutual deference and concession", reflecting the political situation at the time.

Washington's support carried significant weight, making it challenging for Antifederalists to justify their opposition to the ratification of the Constitution. While Washington generally maintained a reserved public stance, his endorsement of the Constitution through this letter held considerable influence.

The letter also emphasised Washington's belief in a higher power, referring to "Providence" or "Divine Providence." This reflected his theological beliefs in a Creator God with specific traits, including wisdom, inscrutability, and irresistibility. Washington's use of the term "Providence" indicated his trust in a higher power that would support the honest endeavours of the people of the country during a critical juncture.

In addition to signing the letter, Washington also played a prominent role in the Constitutional Convention. He was elected president of the convention and, despite his reserved nature, his presence and signature on the Constitution carried great importance. Washington's signature, along with those of other delegates, solidified the Constitution's legal power and paved the way for the important Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments.

Alexander Hamilton, a strong federalist, signed and helped ratify the constitution

Alexander Hamilton was a strong supporter of the United States Constitution. A self-proclaimed "strong federalist", Hamilton believed in a strong federal government and opposed Thomas Jefferson. He signed the Constitution, defended it, and played an important role in its ratification. Hamilton was one of the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution at the constitutional convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

Hamilton's role in the creation of the Constitution was somewhat limited, as his plan for the form of government was not adopted. However, he was instrumental in the ratification process and the subsequent interpretation of the Constitution. He collaborated with James Madison and John Jay on the Federalist Papers, a collection of 85 articles and essays written under the pseudonym "Publius" to promote the ratification of the Constitution. Hamilton wrote 51 of these essays, Madison contributed 29, and Jay wrote five. The Federalist Papers were essential in convincing Americans across the country to support the Constitution.

Hamilton also played a crucial role in the New York ratifying convention in Albany in 1788. At this convention, he faced a group of 47 Anti-Federalists and successfully presented his case for ratification. His supreme logic and persuasive abilities helped to gain approval for the Constitution.

In addition to his written and spoken contributions, Hamilton's economic policies as Treasury Secretary under President George Washington helped to build the economic system that enabled the new nation to survive. He proposed that the government establish a steady revenue stream by taxing imported goods and worked to solve the problem of the Continental Congress' inability to collect taxes during the Revolution. Hamilton's vision for a sound monetary policy and his efforts to pass the Constitution provided invaluable service to his nation.

James Madison, the 'Father of the Constitution', was another important signatory

James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, was another important signatory. Madison was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. He was born into a prominent slave-owning planter family in Virginia and joined the Patriots in 1774 due to his strong opposition to British taxation. Madison played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution, earning him the title of "Father of the Constitution".

Madison's influence extended beyond the Constitution, as he also contributed to the Bill of Rights, ensuring the protection of civil and political liberties. He was a strong advocate for a strong and well-balanced government, and his ideas significantly shaped the foundation of the United States. He was a key figure in the Constitutional Convention, where he proposed his Virginia, or large-state, Plan, which provided the basic framework and guiding principles of the Constitution.

Madison's collaboration with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay resulted in the Federalist Papers, a series of influential political essays that helped secure the passage of the Constitution. Madison's role in promoting ratification and shaping public opinion was significant, and he is credited with writing nearly 20 of the 85 essays in the Federalist Papers. His efforts in this regard led John Marshall to commend his eloquence and persuasive abilities.

In addition to his contributions to the Constitution, Madison also had a notable political career. He served in various positions, including in the Virginia House of Delegates, the Continental Congress, and as Jefferson's secretary of state. Madison's influence extended to foreign policy, as he drafted the Virginia Resolutions of 1798, which affirmed the rights and duties of states in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

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39 delegates signed the constitution, representing 12 states

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 12 states were: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. Rhode Island was the only state that did not send any delegates to the convention.

The 39 delegates who signed the Constitution included George Read of Delaware, Gunning Bedford Jr. of Delaware, John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, Richard Bassett of Delaware, Jacob Broom of Delaware, James McHenry of Maryland, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer of Maryland, Daniel Carroll of Maryland, John Blair of Pennsylvania, James Madison of Virginia, and George Washington of Virginia. Washington, the first American president, is the most famous delegate. Other famous signatories include Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate at 81, and Jonathan Dayton, the youngest delegate at 26.

The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a process that began with the convening of the Federal Convention of 1787. The convention was called due to the widespread recognition that the Articles of Confederation, which established the first national government, needed significant revisions. The Articles failed to empower the central government to carry out essential functions, such as raising revenue or conducting diplomatic relations.

The final draft of the Constitution, presented to the convention on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing statement. The document was cleverly written by Gouverneur Morris to make the constitution seem unanimous. The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus.

The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus

The final handwritten copy of the U.S. Constitution was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, a 37-year-old Pennsylvanian merchant and clerk. Shallus was the son of German immigrant parents who had settled in Pennsylvania in 1749. He was appointed assistant clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1783, a position he held for several years. In 1787, Shallus was tasked with engrossing the Constitution on parchment, and he completed the transcription on four sheets of parchment measuring 28-3/4 inches by 23-5/8 inches. He wrote over 25,000 letters in nearly 4,500 words, finishing the process on Sunday, September 16, 1787, just in time for the signing the next day. Shallus received $30 for his efforts.

The process of engrossing the Constitution was not without its challenges. Shallus had to use a goose quill and black ink made of iron filings in oak gall, which later turned brownish. Despite the arduous task, Shallus made some mistakes in his transcription, including errors in spelling and punctuation. However, he still managed to produce a remarkable document under the circumstances. The original engrossed copy of the Constitution, inscribed by Shallus, is now on display in the National Archives.

The final document engrossed by Shallus was the culmination of a long process of discussion and deliberation among the Founding Fathers. The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 saw delegates from different states come together to debate and draft the Constitution. The final draft, presented to the convention on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement. The delegates approved the final draft and ordered it to be engrossed on parchment, ready for signing on Monday, September 17, 1787.

The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in American history. At least one representative from each state attended the convention, and a total of 39 delegates signed the document. Notable signatories included George Washington, the first American president; James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution"; and Alexander Hamilton, a strong federalist who contributed to the pro-constitution Federalist Papers. The Constitution replaced the earlier Articles of Confederation, which had failed to bring unity to the diverse sentiments and interests of the various states.

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