Malcolm Rivera
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the 55 delegates who attended the convention, only 39 signed the Constitution. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest to sign the Constitution, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. James Madison, who contributed many ideas to the Constitution, was the last living signer of the Constitution, dying in June 1836.
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What You'll Learn
- James Madison was the last person to sign the Constitution
- The Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Constitution
- Benjamin Franklin was also the first signer to die
- people signed the Constitution, out of 55 delegates who attended the convention
James Madison was the last person to sign the Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing of the document was the culmination of a four-month-long convention, during which the Constitution was debated and crafted. The document was signed by 39 delegates, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates).
Among those who signed the Constitution, James Madison stood out as a particularly influential figure. Often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," Madison contributed numerous ideas and arguments that shaped the final document. He represented Virginia at the Continental Congress during the 1780s and played a pivotal role in the Constitutional Convention. In preparation for the convention, he drafted the Virginia Plan, also known as the "Large-State Plan," which advocated for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature and an executive office. Madison's plan served as the foundation for much of the convention's discussions, and he actively participated in the debates and deliberations.
Madison's contributions extended beyond the convention as well. After signing the Constitution, he worked diligently to ensure its ratification by enough states. He also collaborated on the Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays that played a crucial role in convincing state governments to ratify the document and make it the law of the land. Madison's efforts and ideas were instrumental in shaping the framework of the nation's federal government and delineating the functions of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
James Madison's impact on the Constitution was profound, and his legacy endured long after he became the last signer of the document to pass away in June 1836. His dedication to forging a strong and unified nation continues to resonate in the country's governance and democratic ideals.
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The Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This hall, previously known as the Pennsylvania State House, was also where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The hall is now the location of the National Constitution Center, where an original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution is kept.
The Constitutional Convention, which took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was a four-month-long gathering of 55 delegates representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates). The delegates debated and endorsed the Constitution, which was created to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution laid out a framework for the nation's federal government and how its three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—would function.
Of the 41 men in attendance, 39 signed the document, with George Read signing for an absent John Dickinson. The three dissenters who refused to sign were Elbridge Gerry, George Mason, and Edmund Randolph. The convention's secretary, William Jackson, also signed the document to authenticate some corrections.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant event in American history, as it established the framework for the country's government and marked a step towards the spread of democratic ideals worldwide.
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Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing ceremony concluded the Constitutional Convention, which had lasted four months. Of the 74 individuals selected to attend the convention, 55 delegates participated, and 39 signed the Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution. He was so infirm that he had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Franklin was a genius who achieved many things in many fields. He summed up the sentiments of those who signed the Constitution, stating:
> "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. I accept this Constitution [...] because I expect no better and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Franklin was the first signer to die, in April 1790. James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution", was the last, dying in June 1836.
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Benjamin Franklin was also the first signer to die
Benjamin Franklin was one of the most prominent figures in American history, and his contributions to the founding of the United States are immeasurable. As one of the key authors and signatories of the Declaration of Independence, his influence on the Constitution was profound. Franklin was the first signer of the Constitution to pass away, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape the nation.
Franklin's impact on the formation of the United States extended beyond his role in the creation of the Constitution. He was a renowned polymath, known for his expertise in various fields, including politics, science, and literature. His inventions, such as the lightning rod, Franklin stove, and bifocal glasses, revolutionized everyday life in the 18th century. Franklin's scientific discoveries and theories laid the groundwork for future advancements, earning him international acclaim.
Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Franklin was a dedicated statesman. He played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and later becoming the first United States Ambassador to France. Franklin's diplomatic skills and international reputation proved invaluable in securing French support for the American cause during the war. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and forge strategic alliances contributed significantly to the ultimate success of the revolution.
Despite his advanced age when signing the Constitution, Franklin remained actively engaged in the political process. He participated in the Constitutional Convention, offering his insights and wisdom to shape the final document. Franklin's presence carried symbolic weight, as he represented the founding generation's ideals and values. His commitment to liberty, democracy, and unity inspired the other delegates to set aside their differences and work towards a unified nation.
When Benjamin Franklin signed the Constitution, he knew he was securing a future for the nation he helped create. As the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, Franklin understood the importance of establishing a strong and stable American government. Despite his ailing health, Franklin made his voice heard during the debates and tirelessly worked to ensure that the final document reflected his cherished principles of freedom and equality.
Benjamin Franklin's death in 1790 marked the end of an era. As the first signer of the Constitution to pass away, he left a legacy of innovation, diplomacy, and statesmanship. His contributions to America's founding continue to resonate, and his influence is evident in the nation's fabric. Franklin's dedication to liberty, pursuit of knowledge, and commitment to public service inspire Americans, reminding us of the enduring power of his ideas and ideals.
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39 people signed the Constitution, out of 55 delegates who attended the convention
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Out of the 55 delegates who attended the convention, only 39 endorsed the Constitution. The signing of the Constitution was its closing protocol, which included a declaration that the delegates' work had been successfully completed, and that those whose signatures appear on it subscribe to the final document.
The 39 signatories represented 12 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that did not send any delegates to the convention. The delegates ranged in age from Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, the youngest signer, to Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, the oldest. Franklin, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair, summed up the sentiments of those who did sign, stating:
> "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them."
Several notable figures signed the Constitution, including George Washington, who was elected president of the convention shortly after arriving. James Madison, who contributed many ideas to the Constitution, is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution". Alexander Hamilton, another important signatory, is considered one of America's most prominent Founding Fathers. Roger Sherman, a resourceful businessman, lawyer, judge, and politician, was the only person to sign all four of the founding documents of the Revolutionary Era.
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Frequently asked questions
The last person to sign the US Constitution was James Madison, who died in June 1836.
James Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution". He contributed many ideas to the Constitution, including a strong central government with a bicameral legislature and an executive office. He also helped get the Constitution ratified by enough states.
39 delegates signed the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and George Washington.
