The Signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states (all but Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates), endorsed the Constitution created during the four-month-long convention.
Our Constitution did not spring to life without a journey through 12 important steps that harken back to 1215. Even though this legacy of a democratic republic is key to our government today, I have been dismayed that in conversations with recent college graduates and younger individuals that many have no clue about its history, much less any understanding of the principles that underpin our Constitution.
So, my plan is to introduce and explore 12 significant documents that played a crucial role in shaping OUR Constitution. I’ll also wrap up with a breakdown of the Constitution’s core elements, including amendments.
Everyone should be familiar with the Magna Carta, but I suspect many will be surprised when they encounter lesser-known documents like the Northwest Ordinance (if they’ve heard of it at all) or the Mayflower Compact. If you’re seeking discussions on topics like “woke” and contemporary issues, you might want to look elsewhere. This journey will be a deep dive into the foundations of the rule of law.
- Magna Carta (1215) – This foundational English document, bearing the seal of King John, placed constraints on royal authority and established the principle of rule of law. It laid the groundwork for ideas like constitutionalism and limited government.
- Mayflower Compact (1620) – The Mayflower Compact represented a self-governing agreement among the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower. It outlined principles of self-government and majority rule, serving as an early example of a written constitution in American history.
- English Bill of Rights (1689) – This document, enacted by Parliament after the Glorious Revolution, further curtailed the powers of the monarchy. It safeguarded specific rights for English citizens and had a significant influence on the development of constitutional principles.
- Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) – Crafted by George Mason, this declaration served as a blueprint for numerous state constitutions. It played a pivotal role in shaping the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing individual rights and freedoms.
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776) – Thomas Paine’s pamphlet made a compelling case for American independence from British rule. It also advocated for the necessity of a written constitution, motivating many to support the idea of a new form of government.
- Declaration of Independence (1776) – Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration proclaimed the colonies’ independence from British rule. It eloquently articulated grievances against the British Crown and established core principles of individual rights, equality, and government by the consent of the governed.
- Articles of Confederation (1777) – These articles marked the United States’ first attempt at a national government. However, they revealed the limitations of a weak central authority and ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
- Annapolis Convention (1786) – This gathering of delegates from several states shed light on the necessity of a stronger central government, paving the way for the pivotal Constitutional Convention of 1787.
- Northwest Ordinance (1787) – This legislation established a framework for the organized admission of new states to the Union. It emphasized the importance of public education and set a precedent for future state constitutions in the burgeoning nation.
- Debates at the Constitutional Convention (1787) – The records of the discussions and debates among delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia offer valuable insights into the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, showcasing the compromises that shaped the document.
- Federalist Papers (1787-1788) – This series of essays authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay passionately advocated for the ratification of the Constitution. They provided an in-depth defense of its provisions and design.
- Anti-Federalist Papers (1787-1789) – In contrast, these writings voiced opposition to the ratification of the Constitution. They expressed concerns about centralized power and the potential erosion of individual and state rights in the absence of a bill of rights.
- The U.S. Constitution (1787) – The final document, signed on September 17, 1787, established the framework for the federal government of the United States. It defined the government’s structure, powers, and the relationship between the states and the federal authority.