The Constitutional Convention

 

Several meetings were held between the delegates of several states to discuss interstate cooperation to further economic development in 1785. James Madison and the Virginia legislature invited all 13 states to send delegates for a general discussion of commercial problems.

 

Five states sent delegates to Annapolis for a convention in 1786. Although this convention was a failure (New England, Georgia, and the Carolinas were absent) Alexander Hamilton representing New York proposed another convention in Philadelphia to consider all measures “to render the constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union.” 

 

Congress passed a resolution in February 1787 which endorsed a convention “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.”

 

Delegates were scheduled to meet on May 14, 1787. New Hampshire delayed until June. Rhode Island never sent any delegates because it feared consolidated power and was consequently called “Rouge’s Island.”

 

Patrick Henry of Virginia claimed he “smelled a rat” and refused to represent his state. He too was suspicious of strong central authority.

 

The state legislatures elected 73 men. Fifty-five attended the convention at one time or another. Work began on May 25 1787 and four months later 39 signed the Constitution.

 

Characteristics of the Men at the Convention:

 

·        “demi-gods” according to Jefferson

·        young, 42 the average age

·        mature, foresighted, audacious

·        well read in history, law, and political philosophy

·        familiar with Locke, Montesquieu, Ancient Athens and Rome

·        practical experience as lawyers, bankers, merchants, planters

·        21 had served during the Revolutionary War

·        7 former state governors

·        numerous members of the Continental Congress

·        8 signers of the Declaration of Independence

 

Notable Leaders of these Leaders:

 

·        Washington served as the presiding officer but participated little in the debates.

·        Benjamin Franklin said little during debates, but was influential behind the scenes. Eighty-one years old he provided experience, common sense, and wit.

·        Madison - the most gifted political philosopher, only 36 years old.

·        Elbridge Gerry of Mass - “Old Grumbletonian” disliked most proposals.

·        George Mason of Virginia - slave owning planter, author of Virginia Bill of Rights, suspicious of all government.

·        Governor Morris of New York - contempt for the masses.

·        Luther Martin of Maryland – States rights advocate, fiery temper, drunkard.

·        Roger Sherman of Connecticut – negotiated compromises, behind Washington and Madison in importance.

 

Notable by their absence:

 

·        John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton

 

James Madison: The Central Figure at the Convention

 

short and frail

shy and aloof

nervous in crowds, high pitched voice

chronic headaches

fiancée left him

studious bachelor

from wealthy slave owning family

Princeton graduate

keen, agile mind, deep thinker

intelligent

voracious appetite for learning

produced eloquent arguments during debate

excellent knowledge of the history of government

prepared for months for Convention

brought a trunk full of books on political philosophy, history, and law to Philadelphia