Jonah Patel
The Preamble to the US Constitution is an introduction to the nation's founding document. It was written by Gouverneur Morris, an American statesman, Founding Father of the United States, and signatory to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Morris kept a diary, which provides historians with valuable insights into his life and work, including his role in drafting the Constitution. The Preamble has undergone changes from its first draft to the final version, with the idea of a united nation emerging as a key theme. The Preamble sets out the general purposes for which the people established the Constitution, but it is not a source of substantive power for the government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Gouverneur Morris |
| Birth Date | January 31, 1752 |
| Death Date | November 6, 1816 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Statesman |
| Title | Founding Father of the United States, "Penman of the Constitution" |
| Notable Works | Author of the Preamble to the US Constitution, Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution |
| Political Affiliation | Federalist |
| Known For | Outspoken opponent of slavery, advocate for religious freedom, and supporter of a strong central government |
| Other Roles | Senator from New York (1800-1803), Chairman of the Erie Canal Commission, Minister Plenipotentiary to France |
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What You'll Learn
- Gouverneur Morris, a Founding Father, wrote the Preamble
- The Preamble's opening line was changed from We, the People of the States
- The final draft of the US Constitution was written by a committee of five
- Morris was an outspoken opponent of slavery
- The first official printed version of the Constitution was distributed to delegates
Gouverneur Morris, a Founding Father, wrote the Preamble
Gouverneur Morris, a Founding Father who represented Pennsylvania at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, wrote the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Morris, an American statesman, advanced the idea of being a citizen of a single union of states at a time when most Americans still thought of themselves as citizens of their respective states. He was also one of the most outspoken opponents of slavery among those present at the Constitutional Congress.
The Preamble to the US Constitution begins with the words, "We the People of the United States". This is a significant departure from the preamble of the working draft, which described the delegates as representatives of individual states. The change in language reflects the birth of the idea of a united nation during the six weeks between the writing of the draft and the final version. Morris has been credited by most historians with authorship of the final version of the preamble, including this opening line.
Morris was a member of the Committee of Style and Arrangement, which was responsible for drafting the final language of the proposed constitution. He is believed to have written the entire Preamble, including the celebrated phrase "We the People of the United States," using powerful and succinct prose. Morris's home state's constitution also echoes the language of the federal preamble, further supporting the claim that he wrote the Preamble to the US Constitution.
In addition to his work on the Preamble, Morris also played a significant role in shaping the final version of the Constitution. He gave more speeches than any other delegate at the Convention, totaling 173, and vigorously defended the right of anyone to practice their chosen religion without interference. He advocated for a strong central government and argued for the inclusion of such language in the Constitution. Morris has been described as an "aristocrat to the core" and believed that common people were incapable of self-government, fearing that the poor would sell their votes to the rich.
Morris kept a diary that provides valuable insights into his life and thoughts. He began keeping a diary soon after arriving in Paris in 1789 and continued until the end of his life. His diaries, published as two volumes covering the years 1794 to 1815, chronicle his battles with the Democratic-Republicans, his work as chair of the Erie Canal Commission, and his tour through war-torn Europe.
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The Preamble's opening line was changed from We, the People of the States
The Preamble to the US Constitution is a concise and powerful statement that introduces the Constitution and sets out its guiding principles. The exact wording of the Preamble has been the subject of much debate and revision, with one notable change being the modification of its opening line.
The original draft of the Preamble, written by Gouverneur Morris, began with the words "We, the people of the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts..." listing all the states. This initial version was presented to the You may want to see also The US Constitution is a fundamental document that outlines the nation's principles, governance structure, and citizens' rights and responsibilities. The final draft of this important document was prepared by a committee of five distinguished individuals, also known as the Committee of Five. This committee played a crucial role in shaping the content and language of the Constitution, ensuring it accurately reflected the ideals and aspirations of the newly formed United States. The Committee of Five consisted of prominent figures who were respected for their intellect, political acumen, and dedication to the cause of independence. The members included John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Robert Livingston of New York, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Each of these individuals brought unique perspectives and experiences to the drafting process, contributing to the richness and complexity of the final document. The committee was tasked with drafting and presenting the United States Declaration of Independence to the full Congress in the Pennsylvania State House. They began their work on June 11, 1776, and their efforts culminated in the publication of the Declaration on July 5, 1776. The committee's work was not limited to mere writing; they also engaged in extensive discussions, revisions, and consultations to ensure the document's accuracy and effectiveness. One of the most notable aspects of the Committee of Five's work was their commitment to collaboration and consensus-building. After Jefferson authored the first draft, it was carefully reviewed and revised by Adams and Franklin, demonstrating the committee's dedication to creating a unified and coherent document. The committee's process also included consultations with other members, who provided feedback and suggested alterations. This collaborative approach ensured that the final draft reflected the input and agreement of all committee members. The Committee of Five's work was not without its challenges and controversies. For example, two passages in their draft were rejected by the Committee of the Whole. One passage referenced the English people critically, while the other denounced the slave trade and slavery itself. These passages were removed to maintain diplomatic relations with England and out of "complaisance" to southern states that wished to continue the importation of slaves. In conclusion, the Committee of Five played an indispensable role in shaping the US Constitution. Their contributions, both in writing and revising, helped lay the foundation for the nation's governance and enshrined the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The committee's dedication, collaboration, and commitment to independence continue to inspire and guide Americans today. You may want to see also Gouverneur Morris, a Founding Father of the United States, wrote the Preamble to the US Constitution. He was also one of the most outspoken opponents of slavery among those present at the Constitutional Congress. Morris was a delegate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he spoke out against domestic slavery. He argued that it was incongruous to consider a slave both a man and property, stating that he "never would concur in upholding domestic slavery". He described slavery as a nefarious institution and a curse of heaven on the states where it prevailed. Morris believed that the US Constitution's purpose was to protect the rights of humanity, which was incompatible with promoting slavery. He highlighted the contradiction between admitting slaveholders into political representation while upholding the principles of a government instituted for the protection of human rights. Morris's views on slavery were recorded by James Madison, who took notes during the Convention. According to Madison's summary, Morris's speech on 11 July 1787 addressed his concerns about the Western Country and the potential power of slaveholding states. Morris feared that admitting new western states on an equal basis with existing eastern states would empower slaveholding regions. This strategic move by Morris was an attempt to limit the future influence of the West and, by extension, the power of states that relied heavily on slavery. Morris's stance on slavery was influenced by his belief in the importance of protecting the rights of humanity. He saw slavery as a practice that contradicted the fundamental principles of freedom and equality. As a Federalist, Morris found himself in the minority after Jefferson's election, further highlighting his divergent views on critical issues of the time. Morris's outspoken nature and strong convictions are evident in his diary entries and political speeches. He was aware of his tendency to speak freely, particularly on political matters, and his words continue to offer valuable insights into the debates and divisions surrounding slavery during the formative years of the United States. You may want to see also The US Constitution is the supreme law of the land, superseding the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution. It outlines the frame of the federal government and embodies the doctrine of the separation of powers. The Constitution was drafted by Gouverneur Morris, who also wrote the entire Preamble, including the famous phrase "We the People of the United States". Morris kept a diary, which provides valuable insights into his life, including his work as the chair of the Erie Canal Commission and his battles with the Democratic-Republicans. The first official printed version of the Constitution was distributed to the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia's State House in 1787. The delegates, including the senior member, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, posted sentries and barred the press and public to ensure secrecy. The first draft, printed with wide margins to facilitate note-taking, was marked up by delegate Pierce Butler, a wealthy slaveholder from South Carolina. The preamble of the working draft and the final version differ significantly. The initial draft, dated August 6, described the delegates as representatives of individual states, while the final version reflected the birth of a united nation with a unified government. This evolution from a confederation of states to a single nation is a notable aspect of the Constitution's history. The Constitutional Convention, which lasted four months with only an eleven-day break, was a pivotal event in the creation of the US Constitution. The delegates, including Franklin, James Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, and George Mason, brought diverse expertise and perspectives to the process. The convention witnessed lengthy speeches and passionate debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, with the former supporting the Constitution and the latter opposing it. The printed versions of these positions were circulated by newspapers across the country, igniting strong emotions among the public. The ratification process, which included state conventions and compromises, such as the addition of the Ninth Amendment, further emphasised the importance of individual liberties and the need for a Bill of Rights. The Constitution, with its amendments, continues to shape the foundation of American governance and judicial interpretation. You may want to see also Gouverneur Morris wrote the preamble to the US Constitution. Gouverneur Morris was an American statesman, a founding father of the United States, and a signatory to the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution. The first line of the preamble is, "We the People of the United States". The first line of the preamble signified the birth of a united nation, replacing the earlier vision of a confederation of states. The preamble was written during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where 55 delegates met in Philadelphia's State House to discuss and draft the US Constitution.Constitutional Republics: True Democracy or Not?
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