Omar Bennett
On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates representing 12 states endorsed the United States Constitution, marking a crucial step towards establishing a new government. Among these delegates were three representatives from Maryland: Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, an established statesman and patriot; Daniel Carroll, a patriot from Prince George's County; and Thomas Stone, the nephew of Jenifer and one of Maryland's four signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Maryland Constitution, ratified in 1867, provides the foundation for the state's governance and includes a Declaration of Rights, guaranteeing trial by jury, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Number of representatives from Maryland who signed | 3 |
| Total number of delegates who signed | 39 |
| Age range of signers | 26-81 |
| Youngest signer | Jonathan Dayton |
| Oldest signer | Benjamin Franklin |
| Year of current Constitution of Maryland | 1867 |
| Length of current Constitution of Maryland | 47,000 words |
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What You'll Learn
Three representatives signed for Maryland
On September 17, 1787, three representatives of Maryland signed the freshly drafted United States Constitution, marking the beginning of the path towards full ratification and the establishment of a new government.
The three representatives who signed the Constitution for Maryland were Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, and Thomas Stone. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, born in Port Tobacco in Charles County, was an established statesman by the time of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. He was a peer of Benjamin Franklin and an ardent patriot during the revolution. After the convention, he retired to his plantation near Annapolis, where he died in 1790. Daniel Carroll, a patriot from Prince George's County, was one of five individuals to sign both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Following his signing of the Constitution, he was elected to the Maryland Senate and worked on behalf of the Pawtomack Company, which aimed to build a Potomac River canal.
The signing of the United States Constitution took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with 39 delegates representing 12 states endorsing the Constitution. The delegates ranged in age from Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, who was the youngest signer, to Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, who was the oldest. The signing of the Constitution was a significant step towards establishing the framework for the nation's federal government and delineating the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
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Signatures included Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer
On September 17, 1787, three representatives of Maryland signed the freshly inked United States Constitution, marking a significant step towards full ratification and the formation of a new government. Among these representatives was Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, a prominent figure in the history of Maryland and the United States.
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, born in 1723 in Port Tobacco, Charles County, Maryland, came from a family with a long history in the region. His great-grandfather, Captain Daniel Jenifer, had been a loyalist sheriff in Virginia during Bacon's Rebellion before relocating to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Jenifer himself played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War, using his influence as a wealthy landowner to advocate for the Patriot cause. He served as the president of Maryland's Council of Safety from 1775 to 1777, working to organise the state's military forces during the conflict.
Jenifer's political career was distinguished by his commitment to establishing a strong and permanent union of the states. He believed in a Congress that represented the people and held the power to tax. Additionally, he favoured longer terms for the United States House of Representatives, arguing that too-frequent elections could lead to indifference and discourage prominent individuals from seeking office. Jenifer's wit and reputation as a pleasant companion also contributed to his political influence, as he used these traits to foster agreement and reconciliation during the Constitutional Convention.
Prior to the Constitutional Convention, Jenifer held various political roles, including serving as justice of the peace for Charles County and the western circuit of Maryland. He also sat on a commission that resolved a boundary dispute between Pennsylvania and Delaware in 1760. From 1778 to 1782, he represented Maryland in the Continental Congress, and he served as president of Maryland's first senate from 1777 to 1780. During this period, he also managed the state's finances, utilising his experience as a landholder to navigate the challenging postwar economic depression.
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer's signature on the United States Constitution stands as a testament to his dedication to the founding principles of the nation. His contributions to Maryland and his influence on the course of American history are enduring legacies.
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The Maryland Constitution was ratified in 1867
The Maryland Constitution of 1776 also emphasised the role of the people in government, declaring that "all government of right originates from the people, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole." This principle of popular sovereignty would continue to shape Maryland's constitutional evolution.
In the years that followed, Maryland's constitution underwent revisions and updates to reflect the changing needs and circumstances of the state. In 1850-51, Maryland held another constitutional convention, and in 1864, during the Civil War, the state adopted a new constitution under Unionist control. However, this constitution proved short-lived.
The Maryland Constitution of 1867, which remains the foundation of the state's governance today, was drafted between May 8 and August 17, 1867, in Annapolis, the state capital. This constitution was notable for its Declaration of Rights, which guaranteed trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. It also prohibited ex post facto laws and cruel and unusual punishment.
The 1867 Constitution was submitted for ratification to the adult white male citizens of Maryland on September 18, 1867, and was approved by a vote of 47,152 to 23,036. It took effect on October 5, 1867, and has since been amended and interpreted to adapt to the changing needs and values of the state.
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The US Constitution was signed in 1787
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates, marking the culmination of a summer of closed-door drafting by representatives from 12 states. The signing took place in Philadelphia, where the convention had convened on May 14, 1787, with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation.
The final document, a four-page treaty, established a new form of government for the United States, with a federal system that divided powers across three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch consisted of a bicameral Congress; the executive branch comprised the President and subordinate officers; and the judicial branch included the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant milestone, setting in motion the process of ratification by the 13 states. Within just three days of its signing, the Constitution was presented to the Congress of the Confederation in New York City, the temporary capital. Despite having the power to reject it, the members of Congress unanimously voted to forward the proposal to the states for their ratification.
The US Constitution is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution still in force anywhere in the world. Its signing was commemorated in 1937 with a postage stamp and it remains a pivotal document in the nation's history, influencing the country's government and democracy.
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The Maryland Constitution is longer than the US Constitution
On September 17, 1787, three representatives of Maryland signed the freshly inked United States Constitution, marking a pivotal moment in the state's history and setting the foundation for its governance. Among these representatives were distinguished figures such as Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, a renowned statesman and peer of Benjamin Franklin, and Daniel Carroll, a patriot who also signed the Articles of Confederation.
The Maryland Constitution, at approximately 47,000 words (including annotations), is significantly longer than the United States Constitution, which stands at about 8,700 words. This length is due in part to the comprehensive nature of Maryland's constitution, which covers a wide range of topics and includes a Declaration of Rights, similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but broader in scope. The Maryland Constitution guarantees its citizens trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, among other rights.
One notable aspect of the Maryland Constitution is its emphasis on the separation of powers. It explicitly states that the "Legislative, Executive, and Judicial powers of Government ought to be forever separate and distinct from each other," mirroring the federal constitution's implied separation of powers doctrine. This principle is further reinforced by the establishment of separate offices for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, with clearly defined qualifications, rules for elections, and procedures for replacement in cases of vacancy.
The process of amending the Maryland Constitution is also unique. Unlike the federal constitution, Maryland's constitution is amended by directly editing the official text, removing language that is no longer in force. Annotations are often included in printed versions to indicate which portions have been altered or removed and when these changes occurred. This transparency in the amendment process allows for a clear understanding of the constitution's evolution over time.
The length and detail of the Maryland Constitution reflect the state's complex history and the desire to establish a robust and comprehensive framework for governance. While the United States Constitution provides a broad outline for the country's governing principles, individual state constitutions, like Maryland's, delve into the specific rights, responsibilities, and mechanisms of governance tailored to their respective states.
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Frequently asked questions
Three representatives of Maryland signed the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. They were Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, and Thomas Stone.
The Maryland Constitution is the basic law for the U.S. state of Maryland. It was ratified by the people of the state on September 18, 1867, and took effect on October 5, 1867. It is one of the longest state constitutions in the United States at approximately 47,000 words.
The Maryland Constitution is one of the few state constitutions that do not guarantee the right to bear arms. It also includes a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but is broader in scope. It guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and religion, and forbids ex post facto laws and cruel and unusual punishment.
