Jonah Patel
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest to sign the Constitution, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. Franklin was also the first signer to die, in April 1790. The average age of the delegates was 42, and four of the most influential delegates—Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouverneur Morris, and James Madison—were in their thirties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Youngest Signer | Jonathan Dayton, aged 26 |
| Oldest Signer | Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 (one source states he was 70) |
| Number of Signers | 39 |
| Average Age of Signers | 42 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Jonathan Dayton, 26, was the youngest signer
Jonathan Dayton, at 26 years old, was the youngest person to sign the United States Constitution. Dayton was one of 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who endorsed the Constitution on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The average age of the delegates was 42, and several of the most influential delegates, including Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison, were in their thirties.
Dayton's youth is particularly notable given the importance of the document he signed. The U.S. Constitution lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—are to function. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long convention during which the delegates debated and compromised on the document's content.
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention were a diverse group, with varying ages and backgrounds. While Dayton was the youngest at 26, the oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin, who was 81 years old. Interestingly, Franklin was also the first signer to pass away, dying in April 1790. The delegates also had diverse educational backgrounds, with over half of them having graduated from college, including nine from Princeton and six from British universities.
Jonathan Dayton's participation in the Constitutional Convention and his signature on the U.S. Constitution at such a young age demonstrate his commitment to the founding principles of the nation. His involvement in this pivotal moment in American history underscores the significance of the Constitution and the role it has played in shaping the country's future.
Belize's Constitution: Foundation of a Nation
You may want to see also
Benjamin Franklin, 81, was the oldest
The oldest person to sign the US Constitution was Benjamin Franklin, at the age of 81. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1706, Franklin played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention. On the final day of the convention, he delivered an address strongly endorsing the Constitution, which was read by James Wilson. Franklin's speech was aimed at gaining the support of critics and fostering a sense of common accord.
The language of the concluding endorsement, conceived by Gouverneur Morris, was intentionally ambiguous to secure the votes of dissenting delegates. Franklin proposed that the Constitution be endorsed by the delegates as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present, which was agreed upon. This proposal ensured that the signers subscribed their names as witnesses to the convention's proceedings, rather than on behalf of particular states.
Benjamin Franklin was also the first signer to pass away, in April 1790. His signature, along with those of the other 38 delegates, endorsed the Constitution created during the four-month-long convention. The signing took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The average age of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention was 42, with some influential delegates in their thirties, such as Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison. The presence of both younger and older individuals contributed to a dynamic and influential gathering that shaped the foundation of the United States.
Unwritten Constitutions: Nations Without a Fixed Rulebook
You may want to see also
The average age of the delegates was 42
The signing of the United States Constitution took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the 39 delegates who endorsed the Constitution, the average age was 42. This relatively young group of delegates included influential figures such as Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison, who were all in their thirties.
The youngest signer of the Constitution was Jonathan Dayton, who was only 26 years old at the time. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was the oldest delegate to sign the document. Franklin was also the first signer to pass away, in April 1790.
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention represented 12 states, with the exception of Rhode Island, which declined to send representatives. These delegates played a crucial role in shaping the nation's federal government and the functioning of its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Constitutional Convention stands out for having a mix of young and experienced delegates. Their collective wisdom and energy contributed to the creation of a unanimous document that laid the foundation for the United States as we know it today.
The average age of 42 among the delegates highlights an interesting dynamic between youth and experience during this pivotal moment in American history. It is a reminder that significant contributions can come from individuals across different age groups, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the table.
In conclusion, the average age of 42 among the delegates who signed the Constitution reflects a blend of youthful enthusiasm and mature wisdom. This diversity in age groups likely contributed to the strength and longevity of the principles enshrined in the United States Constitution.
Boston Tea Party: A Catalyst for Constitutional Change
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Four influential delegates were in their 30s
Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest signer of the US Constitution, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. The average age of the delegates was 42, and four influential delegates—Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouverneur Morris, and James Madison—were in their thirties.
Alexander Hamilton, whose exact birth year is debated to be either 1755 or 1757, was a Founding Father of the United States. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a group of leaders who were primarily responsible for running the colonial government and leading the resistance to British rule during the first two years of the revolution. Hamilton was one of the influential delegates in his thirties at the signing of the Constitution.
Edmund Randolph was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and played a significant role in the drafting and adoption of the Constitution. He is known for his contributions to the Virginia Plan, which served as a basis for the structure of the federal government. Randolph, along with Hamilton, Morris, and Madison, brought youth and energy to the Constitutional Convention.
Gouverneur Morris, a delegate from Pennsylvania, is known for his clever writing skills. He crafted the concluding endorsement of the Constitution, using ambiguous language to gain the support of dissenting delegates and create a sense of unanimous consent. Morris's role in shaping the final document underscores his influence as a delegate in his thirties.
James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," was the last signer of the Constitution to pass away, in June 1836. He played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention and is known for his contributions to the Virginia Plan and his support for a strong central government. Madison's influence extended beyond his participation in the convention, as he remained dedicated to ensuring the Constitution's success and the establishment of a stable federal government.
Insurrection Clause: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
39 delegates endorsed the Constitution
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 (all but Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates), endorsed the Constitution. The average age of the delegates was 42, with the youngest being 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton and the oldest being Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 according to one source, or 70 according to another.
The Constitutional Convention was a four-month-long gathering of delegates, with 74 individuals initially selected to attend. However, a number of them did not accept or were unable to attend, resulting in 55 delegates participating in the sessions. The convention's goal was to create and endorse a new frame of government, recognising the impending difficulty of obtaining the consent of the states. The delegates worked through the draft constitution, addressing details and compromises. A Committee of Style was formed to finalise the document, which was then presented to the convention on September 12.
The final document was endorsed by the 39 delegates, marking the Constitution's closing protocol. This endorsement included signatures, a declaration of successful completion, and a statement of adoption by the states present. The delegates signed as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states, rather than on behalf of particular states as in the Articles of Confederation. This approach was intentionally ambiguous, seeking to gain the support of critics and create a sense of common accord.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant step in the establishment of the nation's federal government and the functioning of its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The delegates, including the young and experienced, brought their energy and expertise to the process, shaping the foundation of the United States.
Who Gets Elected to the President's Cabinet?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest person to sign the US Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution. He was either 70 or 81 years old at the time.
39 delegates signed the US Constitution, representing 12 states.
