Isabella Carter
The US Constitution, the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force, was drafted and signed in Philadelphia in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House on September 17, 1787. The final draft was presented to the convention on September 12, and the primary author of the document, which contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, was Gouverneur Morris, who chaired the convention's Committee of Style. The official copy was engrossed by Jacob Shallus. The drafting of the Constitution was the result of months of thoughtful debate, deliberation, and compromise among the delegates, with many others besides Morris making important contributions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the final draft | September 12, 1787 |
| Number of articles in the final draft | Seven |
| Other components of the final draft | A preamble and a closing endorsement |
| Primary author of the final draft | Gouverneur Morris |
| Other authors of the final draft | Alexander Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, Rufus King, and James Madison |
| Number of signers of the final draft | 39 |
| Date the final draft was signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Date of ratification | June 21, 1788 |
| Number of amendments | 27 |
| Location of the drafting and signing | Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of delegates | 55 |
| Number of states that ratified the Constitution | 11 |
| Names associated with the creation of the Constitution | James Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and others |
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What You'll Learn
The Committee of Detail
On September 12, 1787, the final draft of the Constitution was presented to the convention. It contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, with Gouverneur Morris, the chief architect, as its primary author. The delegates meticulously considered each section, and the final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus. On September 15, before the final vote, Edmund Randolph proposed that amendments be made by the state conventions and then turned over to another general convention for consideration.
The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, which convened from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788. Of the 55 original delegates, 41 were present to sign the final draft, and only 39 of them did so.
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The Committee of Style
The committee's work was not limited to stylistic or grammatical changes, as suggested by the traditional interpretation of the "Style doctrine." According to this doctrine, the Committee of Style lacked the authority to make substantive changes to the Constitution, and any revisions should be disregarded in favour of earlier draft language. However, this interpretation has been challenged by scholars like David S. Schwartz, who argue that the committee did have the authority to propose substantive changes and that most of their revisions clarified or reinforced Federalist positions rather than suggesting significant alterations.
The first draft of the Constitution was produced by the Committee of Detail, which included a twenty-three article (plus preamble) constitution that reflected the resolutions passed by the convention. This committee, chaired by John Rutledge and including Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson, played a crucial role in drafting the initial framework of the Constitution. However, the Committee of Style took on the task of refining and revising this draft to create the final document.
The drafting of the US Constitution was a complex and collaborative process involving multiple committees, delegates, and compromises. The Committee of Style's role in this process was significant, as they were responsible for crafting the final draft that would become the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the United States.
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Gouverneur Morris' role
Gouverneur Morris played a significant role in drafting the final version of the US Constitution. He was a member of the Committee of Style and Arrangement, also known as the Committee of Style, which was tasked with editing the final text and details of the Constitution. Morris was the chief architect of this committee and played a crucial role in shaping the language and structure of the document. He was also a member of the Committee on Postponed Parts, which addressed challenging issues at the Constitutional Convention, such as the selection of the presidency.
Morris is known for coining the famous phrase "We the People," which appears in the Preamble of the Constitution. This phrase represented a new idea that the people, rather than the states, were the source of the government's legitimacy. He authored the Preamble, which set forth the Constitution's six goals and provided an unforgettable text that advanced the concept of a union of states. Morris's contributions earned him the title Penman of the Constitution, reflecting his skill with words and their impact on the final document.
As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, Morris actively participated in debates and discussions. He gave more speeches than any other delegate, totaling 173, and was known for his vigorous defence of religious freedom and his outspoken opposition to slavery. Morris's beliefs and arguments shaped the content of the Constitution, reflecting his commitment to certain fundamental principles. He advocated for a strong central government and played a role in reforming and financing the American military alongside George Washington.
Morris's influence extended beyond the words on the page. He was closely involved in the long process of establishing a functional, democratic government. Morris signed the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution, contributing to the foundation of American government. He served as a senator from 1800 to 1803 and later as chairman of the Erie Canal Commission, contributing to significant infrastructure projects. Morris's impact on the US Constitution and American politics was significant, and he is remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
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The delegates
The drafting process began with the appointment of a Committee of Detail, which included John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson. This committee was tasked with drafting a constitution reflective of the resolutions passed by the convention. After their report was presented, it was discussed and further compromises were made.
As the drafting process progressed, the delegates debated various controversial issues, including the regulation of commerce and slavery. The delegates had to navigate the power dynamics between small and large states, with the southern states concerned about the potential economic impact of export taxes imposed by a New England-dominated Congress.
In the early days of September 1787, with the delegates eager to conclude their work, a Committee of Style and Arrangement was formed to prepare the final version of the Constitution. Gouverneur Morris, a delegate from Pennsylvania, played a key role in this committee and is often referred to as the "penman of the Constitution." The final draft, presented on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement.
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The signing
The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, was a pivotal moment in American history, as it laid the foundation for a new form of government and the nation's future. The convention was marked by intense debates, compromises, and deliberations among the delegates, who represented all the original states except Rhode Island. Many of these delegates had fought in the Revolutionary War and served in Congress.
The process of drafting the Constitution began with the Committee of Detail, which included John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson. This committee produced a first draft, which was then discussed and revised over several weeks. A Committee of Style and Arrangement, including Gouverneur Morris, Alexander Hamilton, William Johnson, and Rufus King, was then tasked with distilling a final draft constitution from the approved articles. Morris, often referred to as the "Penman of the Constitution," played a pivotal role in shaping the final document.
The final draft of the Constitution, presented on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement. The delegates carefully considered each section before the final vote on September 15. Despite some dissent and disappointment among certain delegates, the Constitution was adopted, and 39 of the 41 delegates present on September 17 signed the document, marking a significant step towards establishing the framework of the United States government.
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Frequently asked questions
Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, who chaired the convention's Committee of Style, is often referred to as the "Penman of the Constitution".
The Committee of Style and Arrangement included Alexander Hamilton from New York, William Samuel Johnson from Connecticut, and Rufus King from Massachusetts.
Edmund Randolph of Virginia wrote the first draft, which was revised by James Wilson.
The draft was sent to prominent Philadelphia printers John Dunlap and David Claypoole. The convention told them to print just enough copies for use by the delegates.
The final draft of the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
