Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, endorsed the Constitution. The youngest signer was Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, and the oldest was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81. George Washington, the Convention President, was another key signer, known as the Father of the Country. Other notable signers include Robert Morris, James Wilson, and George Clymer. The signing of the Constitution was a significant event in American history, as it laid out the framework for the nation's federal government and its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of individuals selected to attend the Constitutional Convention | 74 |
| Number of individuals who attended the Constitutional Convention | 55 |
| Number of individuals who signed the Constitution | 39 |
| Age range of the signers | 26 (Jonathan Dayton) - 81 (Benjamin Franklin) |
| First signer to die | Benjamin Franklin (died in April 1790) |
| Last signer to die | James Madison (died in June 1836) |
| Number of signers who had served in the Continental forces | At least 29 |
| Number of signers who were not native to the thirteen colonies | 7 |
| States represented by the signers | 12 (all except Rhode Island) |
| Date of signing | September 17, 1787 |
| Location of signing | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Notable signers | George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, William Jackson, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas FitzSimons, Abraham Baldwin, James Madison, John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler |
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What You'll Learn
The signing of the United States Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention endorsed the Constitution, representing 12 states (all except Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates). The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long convention during which the delegates debated and agreed upon the framework of the nation's federal government and how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) would function.
The delegates who signed the Constitution ranged in age from Jonathan Dayton, the youngest at 26, to Benjamin Franklin, the oldest at 81, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair. Franklin, despite his ailments, played a pivotal role in the final day's proceedings. He delivered an address, read by James Wilson, strongly endorsing the Constitution despite its perceived imperfections. Franklin's address was intentionally ambiguous, crafted with the hope of gaining the support of critics and fostering a sense of unified accord.
The 39 signers of the Constitution included representatives from each of the 12 states present. Notable among them were George Washington, known as the "Father of the Country," and George Clymer, a Philadelphia merchant who also signed the Declaration of Independence. Other signers included Abraham Baldwin, the only signer buried in Washington, D.C.; James Wilson, a Scottish immigrant who became involved in revolutionary politics; and James Madison, who was the last signer to die, in June 1836.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in the history of the United States, laying the foundation for the country's federal government and the functioning of its branches. The delegates, through their signatures, endorsed not just the document but also the principles of unity and compromise that it represented.
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The role of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, aged 81. He was also the first signer to pass away, in April 1790. Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, and played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was a proponent of freeing American slaves and a lifetime champion of the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press.
Franklin's role in shaping the U.S. Constitution was significant. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where his conciliatory voice helped hammer out the landmark "Great Compromise." This compromise solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans by granting representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. Franklin's experience and wisdom were respected and admired by his fellow delegates.
At the end of the Constitutional Convention, Franklin delivered a persuasive speech endorsing the Constitution. He acknowledged its imperfections but urged the delegates to accept it as the best document a collective body could craft. Franklin proposed that the Constitution be endorsed by the delegates as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present, rather than on behalf of particular states. This proposal helped gain the support of critics and created a sense of common accord.
The language of the concluding endorsement, conceived by Gouverneur Morris and presented by Franklin, was intentionally ambiguous to win over the votes of dissenting delegates and obtain unanimous support from each state. Franklin's role in shaping the Constitution was crucial, and he brought his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this important document.
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Who didn't sign?
The US Constitution was signed by 39 of the 42 men present at the Constitutional Convention. The document was endorsed by delegates representing 12 states, with Rhode Island declining to send delegates.
While the majority of the delegates chose to sign the Constitution, some decided not to. Of the 55 delegates present, 39 signed the document. George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph refused to sign because the Constitution lacked a bill of rights. Randolph, from Virginia, declared:
> "In refusing to sign the Constitution, I take a step which might be the most awful of my life, but it is dictated by my conscience, and it is not possible for me to hesitate, much less, to change."
Gerry, from Massachusetts, believed that the Constitution combined two opposing views:
> " [One view is] devoted to democracy, the worst of all political evils, [and the other is] as violent in the opposite extreme."
Some other individuals who did not sign the Constitution include Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. These individuals were among the 70 individuals appointed to the Constitutional Convention, but they did not accept or could not attend.
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The delegates
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 55 delegates attended the sessions of the Constitutional Convention, but only 39 signed the Constitution. These delegates represented 12 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that did not send any delegates.
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The impact of the signing
The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, shaping the course of American governance and democracy. The impact of this momentous event extended far beyond the convention hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Unifying the States
The Constitution aimed to unify the 12 states that endorsed it, providing a framework for a stronger, more cohesive nation. The signing symbolised a collective agreement to establish a federal government with defined powers and a clear structure, addressing the weaknesses of the previous Articles of Confederation. This unity was particularly significant given the absence of Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates, and the presence of differing perspectives among the endorsing states.
Balancing Power and Representation
The signing of the Constitution reflected a delicate balance of power and representation. The delegates grappled with complex issues, such as electing a president, ensuring fair representation in Congress, and navigating the contentious topic of slavery. The resulting document, with its three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), aimed to safeguard against the concentration of power and protect the interests of both larger and smaller states.
Inclusivity and Diversity
The signing of the Constitution witnessed the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds, representing a range of professions and experiences. Among the signers were merchants, lawyers, politicians, and military leaders. Notably, the presence of individuals born outside of the thirteen colonies, such as Robert Morris from England and Pierce Butler from Ireland, reflected a degree of diversity within the group of framers. Additionally, the Catholic faith of Thomas FitzSimons and Daniel Carroll made them distinctive among the predominantly Protestant signers.
Legacy and Longevity
The signing of the Constitution established a foundational document that has endured for centuries. The longevity of the Constitution attests to the foresight and compromise demonstrated by the framers. While amendments have been made over time, the core principles enshrined in the document continue to guide the nation's laws and governance. The signing ceremony itself, with Benjamin Franklin's address and the unanimous endorsement of the states present, underscored the significance and longevity of the moment.
Impact on Future Generations
The signing of the Constitution set a precedent for future generations of Americans, inspiring a sense of patriotism and civic duty. The framers, many of whom had participated in the Revolution, modelled active citizenship and a commitment to creating a better nation. Their example encouraged subsequent generations to engage in the political process, uphold democratic values, and work towards a more perfect union. The stories and biographies of the signers have become a source of inspiration, reminding Americans of the sacrifices and ideals that laid the foundation of their country.
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Frequently asked questions
The oldest person to sign the Constitution was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, and the youngest was Jonathan Dayton, aged 26.
39 delegates signed the Constitution, representing 12 states.
Some of the main signers of the Constitution included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Robert Morris, Thomas FitzSimons, William Paterson, and John Rutledge.
The signing of the Constitution took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1787.
