Jonah Patel
The Preamble to the Constitution was written by Gouverneur Morris, a Founding Father from Pennsylvania. Morris led the Committee on Style, which wrote the final draft of the Preamble during the last days of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Preamble was not intended to create any additional powers for the government but to introduce the Constitution and explain its purpose. Morris also drafted much of the rest of the Constitution, and his strong sense of civic duty was reflected in his contributions to it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Gouverneur Morris |
| Committee | Committee of Style |
| Committee Leader | Gouverneur Morris |
| Committee Leader's State | Pennsylvania |
| Committee Leader's Role | Delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Date | 8th September 1787 |
| Reason for Change | Inclusion of all thirteen states was unrealistic |
| Critics | Patrick Henry of Virginia |
| Supporters | Edmund Pendleton, John Marshall, James Wilson |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Gouverneur Morris is the author
Gouverneur Morris is widely acknowledged as the author of the Preamble to the US Constitution. Morris, a Founding Father from New York, led the Committee of Style that wrote the final draft of the Constitution, including the Preamble, during the last days of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Preamble, which begins with the famous phrase "We the People of the United States," was not proposed or discussed on the convention floor beforehand. Its purpose was to introduce the Constitution, explain its purpose, and set out its general principles and intentions.
Morris was an extraordinary orator and writer known for his powerful and succinct prose. He played a significant role in the Continental Congress, the war effort, and as a minister to France during the Terror. He also chaired the commission that designed the Manhattan street grid and headed the Erie Canal Commission. Morris had a strong sense of civic duty and was known for his humour, fairness, and ability to ridicule himself. He held strong convictions and believed in enjoying life, stating, "To enjoy is to obey [God]."
As an aesthete who loved to socialize, Morris often spoke freely, especially on political matters, and his views sometimes caused controversy. For example, his excoriation of slavery made him no friends in the South, and his predictions about the French Revolution were unpopular in both France and America. Morris's strong character and talents contributed to his significant role in shaping the Constitution, particularly the Preamble, which he is believed to have written from scratch.
The language and style of the Preamble echo that of Morris's home state's constitution, further supporting the attribution of its authorship to him. The Preamble has been used by courts to interpret the Constitution, understand its "spirit," and discern the intentions and understandings of its authors. While the Preamble is not a source of substantive power for the government, it provides valuable context and insight into the historical impetus and objectives of the Constitution.
Citing the Constitution: APA 7th Edition Style
You may want to see also
The Committee on Style
The committee's work was based on the original Virginia Plan, the decisions of the convention on modifications to that plan, and other sources. They added provisions that had not been previously debated but were not expected to be controversial. For example, the committee added an Electoral College and narrowed the definition of treason by adding the phrase "giving them aid and comfort".
Representatives' Tenure in Congress: Constitutional Limits
You may want to see also
The federal preamble
The Preamble to the United States Constitution, commencing with the words "We the People", is an introductory statement outlining the Constitution's fundamental objectives and core principles. It was drafted by the Founding Fathers during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and sets the tone for the remainder of the document.
The Preamble asserts that the authority of the government established by the Constitution is derived from the people. The phrase "We the People" has been interpreted to encompass nationals and citizens, indicating that the government's sovereignty stems from the populace rather than external monarchical power. This concept was a departure from the previous understanding of "United Colonies", signifying a shift in governance towards a more direct representation of the people as a unified society.
The Preamble underwent significant changes after the draft Constitution was referred to the Committee of Style, led by Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania. It is widely acknowledged that Morris was the primary author of the Preamble, as the language mirrors that of his home state's constitution. The final version of the Preamble was unanimously approved by the delegates without provoking further discussion at the Philadelphia Convention.
The Preamble's opening words played a prominent role in the ratifying debates that followed. Anti-Federalists, led by Patrick Henry of Virginia, criticised the use of "We the People" instead of "We, the States", arguing that states were the essence of a confederation. In response, Federalists like James Wilson defended the language, contending that all authority is derived from the people and that the Preamble affirmed the principle that the people have the right to shape their government.
The Preamble sets forth six aspirations for the government and the nation: forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defence, promoting general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty for present and future generations. These goals reflect the Founding Fathers' intentions and hopes for the Constitution, serving as a guide for interpreting the document's meaning and application.
Who Qualifies as a Household Member in Florida?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Morris's home state's constitution
Gouverneur Morris, a Pennsylvania delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, is credited with writing the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Morris, a Founding Father of the United States, was a member of one of New York's prominent families and a signatory to the Articles of Confederation. He was also an outspoken opponent of slavery and advocated for a strong central government.
Morris's contributions to the Constitution extended beyond the Preamble. He gave the most speeches at the Convention (173), passionately defending the right to religious freedom and arguing for its inclusion in the Constitution. He also advocated for popular election over congressional election for the president, believing it would check the influence of the legislature. Additionally, Morris was a leading voice against slavery, pointing out the hypocrisy of southern defenses of counting slaves for representation.
Morris's influence on the structure of the presidency was also significant. He defended the need for an energetic president with sufficient powers and independence to ward off legislative tyranny as the "guardian of the people." He disagreed with limiting presidents to a single term, believing that an energetic executive was necessary to maintain the blessings of the Union. Morris's ideas and contributions to the Constitution were instrumental in shaping the core foundation of American government and advancing his vision of a united nation.
The Great Compromise: Slave Trade's Constitutional Quandary
You may want to see also
The Rake Who Wrote the Constitution
The Preamble to the United States Constitution, which begins with the iconic words "We the People", is a concise statement outlining the Constitution's fundamental goals and core principles. It was largely penned by Gouverneur Morris, a delegate from Pennsylvania at the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Morris, a complex and intriguing figure, has been described as a "rake"—a term suggestive of a person with a somewhat disreputable or libertine lifestyle.
The story of Gouverneur Morris and his role in crafting the Preamble is a fascinating chapter in the history of the United States Constitution. Morris, born in 1752 in New York, was a statesman, a diplomat, and a prominent figure in the American Founding era. He was known for his wit, intelligence, and skill as a writer, which earned him the task of drafting the Preamble.
The Preamble, as written by Morris, sets the tone and vision for the Constitution. It reflects the aspirations of "We the People" for their government and their collective future as a nation. The phrase "We the People" itself has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it signifies the inclusion and sovereignty of the people, while others critiqued its use instead of "We, the States."
Morris' Preamble underwent significant changes after the draft Constitution was referred to the Committee of Style, which he chaired. The final version, while retaining Morris' essence, was refined and shaped by the Committee. This collaborative process underscores the importance placed on ensuring the Preamble accurately conveyed the intentions and principles of the Founding Fathers.
The legacy of Gouverneur Morris, the "rake" who wrote the Preamble, extends beyond his colourful personal life. His words in the Preamble continue to shape the understanding of the Constitution and the role of government in the United States. Morris' contribution to the Constitution, particularly the Preamble, stands as a testament to his impact on the nation's foundational documents, despite his unconventional personal life.
The President Pro Tem: Constitutional Leadership
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is generally acknowledged that the author of the preamble was Gouverneur Morris, as the language from the federal preamble echoes that of Morris's home state's constitution.
Yes, Gouverneur Morris was a Founding Father from New York. He was also a minister to France and served in the Senate.
Yes, it is believed that Gouverneur Morris drafted much of the rest of the Constitution.
The preamble was intended to introduce the Constitution and explain its purpose. It was not meant to create any additional powers for the government.
The preamble was placed in the Constitution during the last days of the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787.
