THE FOUNDING FATHERS
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention
On February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress resolved that:... it is expedient that on the second Monday in May next a Convention of delegates who shall have been appointed by the several States be held at Philladelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation...
Assembly Room in Independence Hall, Philadelphia,
site of the signing of the Constitution in 1787.
Photo courtesy of Independence National Historical Park.
The original states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the
Constitutional Convention, but a number did not accept or could not attend. Those who did not attend included Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams and, John Hancock.
In all, 55 delegates attended the Constitutional Convention sessions, but only 39 actually signed the Constitution. The delegates ranged in age from Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, to Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan
chair.
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS
For a short biographies of each of the Founding Fathers who were delegates to the Constitutional Convention, select the states below. ( * indicates delegates who did not sign the Constitution)Connecticut
Ellsworth (Elsworth), Oliver*
Johnson, William S.
Sherman, Roger
Delaware
Bassett (Basset), Richard
Bedford, Gunning, Jr.
Broom, Jacob
Dickinson, John
Read, George
Georgia
Baldwin, Abraham
Few, William
Houstoun, William*
Pierce,
William L.*
Maryland
Carroll, Daniel
Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas
Martin, Luther*
McHenry, James
Mercer, John F.*
Massachusetts
Gerry, Elbridge*
Gorham, Nathaniel
King, Rufus
Strong, Caleb*
New Hampshire
Gilman, Nicholas
Langdon, John
New Jersey
Brearly (Brearley), David
Dayton, Jonathan
Houston, William C.*
Livingston, William
Paterson (Patterson), William
New York
Hamilton, Alexander
Lansing, John, Jr.*
Yates, Robert *
North Carolina
Blount, William
Davie, William R.*
Martin, Alexander *
Spaight, Richard D.
Williamson, Hugh
Pennsylvania
Clymer, George
Fitzsimons, Thomas
Franklin, Benjamin
Ingersoll, Jared
Mifflin, Thomas
Morris, Gouverneur
Morris, Robert
Wilson, James
South Carolina
Butler, Pierce
Pinckney, Charles
Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
Rutledge, John
Rhode Island
Rhode Island did not send any delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
Virginia
Blair, John
Madison, James
Mason, George *
McClurg, James*
Randolph, Edmund J.*
Washington, George
Wythe, George*
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts
Purpose
In this activity, you will discuss when compromise is necessary to move forward with an idea, and when it is not. When have you made compromises to move things forward? When is compromise not an option?
Process
In your group, read Ben Franklin’s speech.
“I confess that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present, but Sir, I am not sure I shall never approve it: For having lived long, I have experienced many Instances of being oblig’d, by better Information or fuller Consideration, to change Opinions even on important Subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow the more apt I am to doubt my own Judgment and to pay more Respect to the Judgment of others.”
And
“On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a Wish, that every Member of the Convention, who may still have Objections to it, would with me on this Occasion doubt a little of his own Infallibility, and to make manifest our Unanimity, put his Name to this Instrument.”
In your group, discuss Ben Franklin’s speech.
- What are some of his key arguments? Would you have signed the Constitution at the end of the Convention?
- Discuss as small groups a time in your life when you have compromised. Was it successful?
- What did you gain? What did you let go of?
After your discussion, individually write a short reflection on the purpose and need for compromise.
The Constitutional Convention ended on September 17, 1787. As the Convention was reaching its close, Ben Franklin rose with a speech in his hand. Franklin was the oldest Convention delegate and one of America’s most beloved leaders. Franklin handed his speech to his friend and fellow Pennsylvania delegate, James Wilson, who read it aloud to the Convention. Franklin himself admitted that the new Constitution was not perfect, but he asked his colleagues to approach the document with humility. Franklin praised the work of his fellow delegates and urged them to sign the new Constitution—asking anyone “who may still have Objections” to “on this Occasion doubt a little of his own Infallibility.” Later that day, 39 delegates signed the new Constitution. But even following Franklin’s powerful speech, George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph refused. Together, these three dissenters were concerned that their fellow delegates had refused to write a Bill of Rights into the new Constitution and had crafted a powerful national government that was destined to seize political power, swallow up the states, and abuse the rights of the American people. The Convention’s closing days were a sneak peek of the looming battle over the ratification of the Constitution.
Launch
Give students time to read the speech and have a discussion in small groups. Prompt them to describe a time when they have questioned compromise.
Activity Synthesis
Discuss other areas of life when compromise is necessary. Have students brainstorm ideas of when they might have to compromise in the future.
Activity Extension
(optional)
Now that students have a better understanding of the compromises at the Convention, ask the following question:
- Would you have joined or dissented and why?