Constitutional Convention Delegates to Know for Intro to American Government

The Constitutional Convention brought together influential leaders who shaped the foundation of American government. Delegates like Washington, Madison, and Hamilton played key roles in crafting the Constitution, balancing power, and ensuring individual rights, which remain vital today.

1. George Washington

   • Served as the president of the Constitutional Convention, providing leadership and credibility.
   • Advocated for a strong central government to unify the states and maintain order.
   • His presence helped to ease tensions among delegates and encouraged cooperation.

2. James Madison

   • Known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the document.
   • Advocated for a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
   • Played a key role in the creation of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

3. Benjamin Franklin

   • Acted as a mediator among delegates, promoting compromise and collaboration.
   • His wisdom and experience helped to bridge gaps between differing factions.
   • Supported the idea of a strong federal government while also advocating for the rights of states.

4. Alexander Hamilton

   • Strong proponent of a powerful central government and a national bank to stabilize the economy.
   • Co-authored the Federalist Papers to promote ratification of the Constitution.
   • His vision for a strong executive branch influenced the structure of the presidency.

5. Gouverneur Morris

   • Responsible for the final draft of the Constitution, ensuring clarity and coherence in the text.
   • Advocated for a strong executive and a system of representation based on population.
   • Emphasized the importance of individual rights and liberties in the new government framework.

6. James Wilson

   • Key advocate for the direct election of representatives, emphasizing popular sovereignty.
   • Played a significant role in the drafting of the Constitution and the Federalist Papers.
   • His legal expertise contributed to the establishment of the judiciary and the rule of law.

7. Roger Sherman

   • Proposed the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature balancing representation by population and state equality.
   • Advocated for the inclusion of both large and small states in the legislative process.
   • His contributions helped to resolve major disputes during the Convention.

8. Edmund Randolph

   • Introduced the Virginia Plan, which proposed a strong national government with a bicameral legislature.
   • Initially opposed the Constitution but later supported its ratification after the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
   • His ideas influenced the structure of the legislative branch and the balance of power.

9. George Mason

   • Strong advocate for individual rights and liberties, pushing for a Bill of Rights.
   • Refused to sign the Constitution due to the lack of protections for personal freedoms.
   • His concerns highlighted the importance of civil liberties in the new government framework.

10. Elbridge Gerry

    • Known for his opposition to the Constitution without a Bill of Rights, advocating for the protection of individual liberties.
    • Played a significant role in the debates over representation and the structure of Congress.
    • His legacy includes the term "gerrymandering," reflecting his influence on electoral districting.