Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, by Howard Chandler Christy.

The Philadelphia Convention (now also known as the Constitutional Convention, the Federal Convention, or the "Grand Convention at Philadelphia") took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, to address problems in The United States of America following independence from Great Britain. Although it was purportedly intended only to revise the Articles of Confederation, the intention of many of the Convention's proponents, chief among them James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, were from the outset to create a new government rather than "fix" the existing one. It was not since the Annapolis Convention that the states had seriously considered the situation of the Articles of Confederation. The delegates elected George Washington to preside over the convention. The result of the Convention was the United States Constitution. The Convention is one of the central events in the history of the United States. Image File history File links Scene_at_the_Signing_of_the_Constitution_of_the_United_States. ... Image File history File links Scene_at_the_Signing_of_the_Constitution_of_the_United_States. ... Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, as depicted by commisioned artist Howard Chandler Christy, is both an attempt at historical representation and political interpretation. ... Howard Chandler Christy (January 10, 1873—March 3, 1952) was an American artist. ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1787 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see United States (disambiguation) and US (disambiguation). ... The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ... James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836), was an American politician and the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817), and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. ... Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757[1]—July 12, 1804) was an Army officer, lawyer, Founding Father, American politician, leading statesman, financier and political theorist. ... The Annapolis Convention was a meeting at Annapolis, Maryland of 12 delegates from five states (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia) that called for a constitutional convention. ... The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: The United States Constitution The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. ... American history redirects here. ...

Historical Context

Before the Constitution was drafted, the thirteen colonies operated under the Articles of Confederation, created by the Second Continental Congress which eventually caused deep divides between the states that the national government could not intervene in.^[1] On January 21, 1786, the Virginia Legislature, following James Madison's recommendation, invited all the states to discuss ways to reduce interstate conflicts in Annapolis, Maryland.^[1] At what came to be known as the Annapolis Convention, the few state delegates in attendance endorsed a motion that called for all states to meet in Philadelphia in May, 1787 to discuss ways to improve the Articles of Confederation in a "Grand Convention."^[1] The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ... John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence depicts the five-man drafting committee presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress. ... James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836), was an American politician and the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817), and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. ... City nickname: Americas Sailing Capital Location in the state of Maryland Founded 1649 Mayor Ellen O. Moyer (Dem) Area  - Total  - Water 19. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Largest metro area Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 101 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N... The Annapolis Convention was an Assembly of the Counties of Maryland that functioned as the colonys revolutionary government from 1774 to 1776. ... For other uses, see Philadelphia (disambiguation) and Philly. ...

Delegates

The 55 delegates who drafted the Constitution included most of the outstanding leaders, or Founding Fathers, of the new nation. Thomas Jefferson, who was in France during the convention, characterized the delegates as an assembly of "demi-gods."^[1] Thomas Jefferson and John Adams did not attend; they were abroad in Europe, but they wrote home to encourage the delegates. Patrick Henry was also absent; he refused to go because he "smelt a rat in Philadelphia, tending toward the monarchy." Rhode Island refused to send delegates to the convention. For delegates in the . ... Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, by Howard Chandler Christy. ... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ... Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 – June 6, 1799) was a prominent figure in the American Revolution, known and remembered primarily for his stirring oratory. ...

Connecticut Official language(s) English Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[3] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[2] Area  Ranked 48th  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ...

• Oliver Ellsworth*
• William Samuel Johnson
• Roger Sherman

Delaware Oliver Ellsworth (April 29, 1745 – November 26, 1807), an American lawyer and politician, was a revolutionary against British rule, a drafter of the United States Constitution, and third Chief Justice of the United States. ... For other persons named William Johnson, see William Johnson (disambiguation). ... Shermans marble statute in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. ... This article is about the U.S. State of Delaware. ...

• Richard Bassett
• Gunning Bedford, Jr.
• Jacob Broom
• John Dickinson
• George Read

Georgia Richard Bassett (April 2, 1745 – August 15, 1815) was an American lawyer and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. ... This article is about the delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention, for other persons with the same name, see Gunning Bedford (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Delaware politician. ... John Dickinson is the name of: John Dickinson (delegate) (1732–1808), American lawyer, delegate to the Continental Congress and to the Constitutional Convention John Dickinson (1782–1869) (1782-1869), English inventor and founder of the seeder mills at Apsley and Nash Mills John Dickinson, New Zealander, trumpet player. ... George Read (September 18, 1733–September 21, 1798), was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Delaware. ...

• Abraham Baldwin
• William Houstoun*
• William Pierce*

Maryland Abraham Baldwin Abraham Baldwin (November 23, 1754—March 4, 1807) was an American politician, Patriot, and Founding Father from the U.S. state of Georgia. ... William Houstoun (1755– March 17, 1813) was an American planter, lawyer, and statesman from Savannah, Georgia. ... William Pierce was the name of the following men: William Pierce (politician) (1740–1789), a Continental Congressman from Georgia. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Largest metro area Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 101 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N...

• Daniel Carroll
• Luther Martin*
• James McHenry
• John F. Mercer*
• Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

Massachusetts Daniel Carroll Daniel Carroll (July 22, 1730–July 5, 1796) was a politician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. ... Contrarian Founding Father Luther Martin Luther Martin (February 9, 1748–July 8, 1826) was a politician and one of United States Founding Fathers, but refused to sign the Constitution because he felt it violated states rights. ... James McHenry (November 16, 1753 – May 3, 1816) was an early American statesman. ... John Francis Mercer (May 17, 1759–August 30, 1821) was an American lawyer, planter, and politician from Virginia and Maryland. ... Daniel of St. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

• Elbridge Gerry*
• Nathaniel Gorham
• Rufus King
• Caleb Strong*

New Hampshire Elbridge Thomas Gerry (pronounced ) (July 17, 1744 – November 23, 1814) was an American statesman and diplomat. ... Nathaniel Gorham (May 27, 1738–June 11, 1796) was the eighth President of the United States in Congress assembled, under the Articles of Confederation. ... Rufus King (March 24, 1755 – April 29, 1827) was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat. ... Caleb Strong (January 9, 1745 - November 7, 1819) was a U.S. political figure. ... For other uses, see New Hampshire (disambiguation). ...

• Nicholas Gilman
• John Langdon

New Jersey Nicholas Gilman Nicholas Gilman, Jr. ... John Langdon (June 26, 1741—September 18, 1819) was a politician from New Hampshire and one of the first two United States Senators from that state. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

• David Brearley
• William Houston*
• William Paterson
• William Livingston
• Jonathan Dayton

New York David Brearley David Brearley (often misspelled Brearly) (June 11, 1745–August 16, 1790) was a delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention and signed the U.S. Constitution on behalf of New Jersey. ... William Churchill Houston (c. ... Several notable individuals have been named William Paterson: William Paterson (banker) (1658-1719), Scottish trader, a founder of the Bank of England, deviser of the Darién scheme William Paterson (jurist) (1745-1806), American statesman, signed US Constitution William Paterson (governor) (1755-1810), early lieutenant governor of Tasmania William Paterson... William Livingston William Livingston (November 30, 1723 – July 25, 1790) served as the Governor of New Jersey (1776–1790) during the American Revolution and was a signer of the United States Constitution. ... Jonathan Dayton (October 16, 1760–October 9, 1824) was an American politician from the U.S. state of New Jersey. ... This article is about the state. ...

• Alexander Hamilton
• John Lansing, Jr.*
• Robert Yates*

North Carolina Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757[1]—July 12, 1804) was an Army officer, lawyer, Founding Father, American politician, leading statesman, financier and political theorist. ... John Lansing, Jr. ... Robert Yates (1738-1831) was a United States politician well known for his anti-federalist stances. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Largest metro area Charlotte metro area Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (900 km)  - % water 9. ...

• Alexander Martin*
• William Richardson Davie*
• Richard Dobbs Spaight*
• William Blount
• Hugh Williamson

Pennsylvania Gov. ... Gov. ... Gov. ... Italic text:For the English scholar see William Blount, 4th Baron Mountjoy. ... Hugh Williamson Hugh Williamson (December 5, 1735–May 22, 1819) was an American politician. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ...

• Thomas Mifflin
• Robert Morris
• George Clymer
• Jared Ingersoll
• Thomas Fitzsimons
• James Wilson
• Gouverneur Morris
• Benjamin Franklin

Rhode Island Thomas Mifflin , John Singleton Copley, 1773. ... Robert Morris Robert Morris, Jr. ... George Clymer (March 16, 1739–January 23, 1813) was an American politician and Founding Father. ... Jared Ingersoll Jared Ingersoll (October 24, 1749 – October 31, 1822) was an early American lawyer and statesman from Philadelphia. ... Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-1811) was an American merchant and statesman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... For other persons named James Wilson, see James Wilson (disambiguation). ... Gouverneur Morris Gouverneur Morris (January 31, 1752 – November 6, 1816) was an American statesman who represented Pennsylvania in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and was an author of large sections of the Constitution of the United States. ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ...

• Rhode Island chose not to send delegates to the convention

South Carolina Official language(s) English Capital Columbia Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Columbia Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32° 2′ N to 35° 13′ N  - Longitude 78° 32′ W to 83...

• John Rutledge
• Charles Pinckney
• Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
• Pierce Butler

Virginia This article is about the Governor and Chief Justice of the United States. ... Charles Pinckney Charles Pinckney (October 26, 1757–October 29, 1824) was an American politician who was a signer of the United States Constitution, Governor of South Carolina, a Senator and a member of the House of Representatives. ... Charles Cotesworth (C.C.) Pinckney (February 5, 1746 – August 16, 1825), was an early American statesman and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. ... Pierce Butler (July 11, 1744 - February 15, 1822) was a soldier, planter, and statesman, recognized as one of United States Founding Fathers. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

• John Blair
• James Madison
• George Mason*
• James McClurg
• Edmund Randolph*
• George Washington
• George Wythe

(*) Did not sign the final draft of the U.S. Constitution John Blair (1732–August 31, 1800) was an American politician, Founding Father, and Patriot. ... James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836), was an American politician and the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817), and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. ... For other persons named George Mason, see George Mason (disambiguation). ... James McClurg James McClurg (1747–July 9, 1825) was a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention. ... Edmund Jennings Randolph (August 10, 1753 – September 12, 1813) was an American attorney, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and the first United States Attorney General. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ... George Wythe George Wythe (1726 – June 8, 1806), was a lawyer, a judge, a prominent law professor and a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. ...

The Convention

Very few of the selected delegates were present on the designated day of May 14, 1787, and it was not until May 25 that a quorum of seven states was secured. The convention convened in the Pennsylvania State House, and George Washington was unanimously elected as president of the convention.^[2] and although William Jackson was elected as secretary, Madison's Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 remain the most complete record of the convention.^[1] Independence Hall is a U.S. national landmark located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. ...

Deliberations

Virginia Plan

Main article: Virginia Plan A proposal by Virginia delegates during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, the Virginia Plan (also known as the Large State Plan) was notable for its role in setting the overall agenda for debate in the convention and, in particular, for setting forth the idea of population-weighted representation in the...

Prior to the start of the convention, the Virginian delegates met, and, using Madison's thoughts, work, and notes, came up with what came to be known as the Virginia Plan, also known as the "Large State" Plan.^[3] For this reason, James Madison is sometimes called the Father of the Constitution.^[3] Presented by Virginia governor Edmund Randolph on May 29, 1787, the Virginia Plan proposed a very powerful bicameral legislature.^[3] Both houses of the legislature would be determined proportionately.^[3] The lower house would be elected by the people, and the upper house would be elected by the lower house.^[3] The executive would exist solely to ensure that the will of the legislature was carried out and would therefore be selected by the legislature.^[3] The Virginia Plan also created a judiciary, and gave both the executive and some of the judiciary the power to veto, subject to override.^[3] James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836), was an American politician and the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817), and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. ... Edmund Jennings Randolph (August 10, 1753 – September 12, 1813) was an American attorney, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and the first United States Attorney General. ...

Plan of Charles Pinckney (SC)

Immediately after Randolph finished laying out the Virginia Plan, Charles Pinckney of South Carolina presented his own plan to the Convention. As Pinckney did not supply a hard copy, we have only Madison's notes^[4] on which to rely, so the details are somewhat sketchy. It was a confederation, or treaty, among the 13 states. There was to be a bicameral legislature made up of a Senate and a House of Delegates. The House would have one member for every one thousand inhabitants. The House would elect Senators who would serve by rotation for four years and represent one of four regions. Congress would meet in a joint session to elect a President, and would also appoint members of the cabinet. Congress, in joint session, would serve as the court of appeal of dernier resort in disputes between states. Pinckney did also provide for a supreme Federal Judicial Court. The Pinckney plan was not debated, but it may have been referred to by the Committee of Detail.^[5] Edmund Jennings Randolph (August 10, 1753 – September 12, 1813) was an American attorney, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and the first United States Attorney General. ... Charles Pinckney Charles Pinckney (October 26, 1757–October 29, 1824) was an American politician who was a signer of the United States Constitution, Governor of South Carolina, a Senator and a member of the House of Representatives. ...

New Jersey Plan

Main article: New Jersey Plan The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure of the United States Government proposed by William Paterson on June 15, 1787. ...

After the Virginia Plan was introduced, New Jersey delegate William Paterson asked for an adjournment to contemplate the Plan.^[3] Under the Articles of Confederation, each state was perfectly equal - all had one vote in Congress.^[3] The Virginia Plan threatened to limit the smaller states' power by making both houses of the legislature proportionate to population. On June 14 and 15, 1787, a small-state caucus met to create a response to the Virginia Plan. The result was the New Jersey Plan, otherwise known as the "Small State Plan."^[3] The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ...

Paterson's New Jersey Plan was ultimately a rebuttal to the Virginia Plan, and was much closer to the original plan for the Convention - draft amendments to the Articles of Confederation to fix the problems in it.^[3] Under the New Jersey Plan, the current Congress would remain, but it would be granted new powers, such as the power to levy taxes and force their collection.^[3] An executive branch was created, to be elected by Congress (the plan allowed for a multi-person executive).^[3] The executives would serve a single term and were subject to recall on the request of state governors.^[3] The plan also created a judiciary that would serve for life, to be appointed by the executives.^[3] Lastly, any laws set by Congress would take precedence over state laws.^[3] When Paterson reported the plan to the convention on June 15, 1787, it was ultimately rejected, but it gave the smaller states a rallying point for their beliefs.^[3] is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Hamilton's Plan

Unsatisfied with the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan, Alexander Hamilton proposed his own plan, also known as the British Plan, because of its resemblance to the British system of government.^[3] In his plan, Hamilton advocated getting rid of state sovereignty.^[3] The plan featured a bicameral legislature, the lower house elected by the people for three years. The upper house would be elected by electors chosen by the people and would serve for life.^[3] The plan also gave the Governor, and executive elected by electors for a life-term of service, and absolute veto over bills.^[3] State governors would be appointed by the national legislature,^[3] and the national legislature had veto power over any state legislation.^[3] Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757[1]—July 12, 1804) was an Army officer, lawyer, Founding Father, American politician, leading statesman, financier and political theorist. ...

Hamilton presented his plan to the Convention on June 18, 1787.^[3] The plan was well-received as a well-thought-out plan, but it was given very little consideration because it resembled the British system too closely.^[3] is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1787 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Connecticut Compromise

Main article: Connecticut Compromise The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was an essential agreement between large and small states reached during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation that each state would have under the United States Constitution. ...

The Connecticut Compromise, forged by Roger Sherman from Connecticut, was proposed on June 11.^[3] Sherman proposed: "That the proportion of suffrage in the 1st. branch should be according to the respective numbers of free inhabitants; and that in the second branch or Senate, each State should have one vote and no more."^[3] Although Sherman was well-liked and respected among the delegates, his plan failed at first. It was not until July 23 that representation was finally settled.^[3] The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was an essential agreement between large and small states reached during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation that each state would have under the United States Constitution. ... Shermans marble statute in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. ... is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 204th day of the year (205th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Slavery

Many questions remained unresolved. Among the most important were the thorny issues surrounding slavery. Slaves accounted for about one-fifth of the population in the American colonies.^[6] Most of them lived in the Southern colonies, where slaves made up 40 percent of the population.^[6] Whether slavery was to be permitted and continued under the new Constitution was a matter of conflict between the North and South, with several Southern states refusing to join the Union if slavery were disallowed. The Buxton Memorial Fountain, celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834, London. ... Betsy Ross purportedly sewed the first American flag with 13 stars and 13 stripes representing each of the 13 colonies. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American...

One of the most contentious slavery-related issue was the question of whether slaves would be counted as part of the population in determining representation in Congress or considered property not entitled to representation.^[6] Delegates from states with a large population of slaves argued that slaves should be considered persons in determining representation but as property if the new government were to levy taxes on the states on the basis of population.^[6] Delegates from states where slavery had disappeared or almost disappeared argued that slaves should be included in taxation but not in determining representation.^[6] Look up Congress in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Look up Levy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... -1...

Finally, delegate James Wilson proposed that the Three-Fifths Compromise originally created under the Articles of Confederation be maintained.^[3] This was eventually adopted by the convention. For other persons named James Wilson, see James Wilson (disambiguation). ... The three-fifths compromise was a compromise between Southern and Northern states reached during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 in which three-fifths of the population of slaves would be counted for enumeration purposes regarding both the distribution of taxes and the apportionment of the members of the United States... The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ...

Another issue at the Convention was what should be done about the slave trade. Ten states had already outlawed it.^[6] Many delegates heatedly denounced it, but the three states, Georgia and the two Carolinas, that allowed it threatened to leave the convention if the trade were banned.^[6] In effect they postponed the decision on the slave trade because of its contentious nature. The delegates to the Convention did not want its ratification to fail because of the conflict over slavery.^[6] Therefore, a special committee worked out another compromise: Congress would have the power to ban the slave trade, but not until at least 20 years had passed, in 1808.^[3] This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Carolinas is a collective term used in the United States to refer to the states of North and South Carolina together. ... Ratification is the act of giving official sanction to a formal document such as a treaty or constitution. ...

Drafting and signing

In late July, the convention appointed a committee to draft a document based on the agreements that had been reached. After another month of discussion and refinement, a second committee, the Committee of Style and Arrangement, headed by Gouverneur Morris, and including Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, Rufus King, and Madison, produced the final version, which was submitted for signing on September 17. Morris is credited now, as then, as the chief draftsman of the final document, including the stirring preamble. Gouverneur Morris Gouverneur Morris (January 31, 1752 – November 6, 1816) was an American statesman who represented Pennsylvania in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and was an author of large sections of the Constitution of the United States. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Not all the delegates were pleased with the results; some left before the ceremony, and three of those remaining refused to sign: Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts. George Mason demanded a Bill of Rights if he was to support the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was finally added and is considered the final compromise of the Convention - several states asked specifically for these amendements when ratifying the Constitution, and others ratified the Constitution with the understanding that a bill of rights would soon follow.^[7] Of the 39 who did sign, probably no one was completely satisfied, but such is the nature of compromise. Their views were ably summed up by Benjamin Franklin, who said, "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. ... I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. ... It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies..." Edmund Jennings Randolph (August 10, 1753 – September 12, 1813) was an American attorney, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and the first United States Attorney General. ... For other persons named George Mason, see George Mason (disambiguation). ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Elbridge Thomas Gerry (pronounced ) (July 17, 1744 – November 23, 1814) was an American statesman and diplomat. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The United States Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ...

See also

• Founding Fathers of the United States
• Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787
• History of the United States
• Constitution Day (United States)
• Timeline of the United States Constitution
• National Constitution Center

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, by Howard Chandler Christy. ... Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 was James Madisons record of the daily debates held by delegates at the Philadelphia Convention, which resulted in the drafting of the current United States Constitution. ... American history redirects here. ... Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution. ... The Philadelphia Convention, 1787 From the 1786 Annapolis Convention, which recommended the calling of a Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, to the end of the last state ratifying convention in 1790, the process of drafting and ratifying the United States Constitution took nearly four years. ... Exterior of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The National Constitution Center is a 160,000 square foot museum that opened on July 4, 2003 in the historic district of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and designed by American architect Henry N. Cobb. ...

References

is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 325th day of the year (326th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 325th day of the year (326th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• The Constitutional Convention of 1787EDSITEment Lessons
• USConstitution.net - The Constitutional Convention
• The Original Source Documents from The Constitutional Convention
• Founders' Blog - Republishing Madison's notes on the convention 220 years later
• TeachingAmericanHistory.org - The Constitutional Convention
• Transcription from the Report from the Grand Compromise Committee
• National Constitution Center