People of the Constitution

• Drafted the Virginia Plan and took detailed notes during the Constitutional Convention.

• Played a major role in writing the Federalist Papers and later the Bill of Rights.

George Washington - President of the Constitutional Convention

• Presided over the Constitutional Convention, lending it credibility and unity.

• Chosen unanimously as the first U.S. President after the Constitution was ratified.

Benjamin Franklin - Elder Statesman

• Used his wisdom and diplomacy to help settle disputes and encourage compromise.

• Advocated for unity and cooperation among the delegates.

Alexander Hamilton - Advocate for Strong Central Government

• Advocated for a strong central government.

• Co-authored the Federalist Papers to defend the Constitution's ratification.

Gouverneur Morris- Principal Writer

• Wrote the final draft of the Constitution, including the famous Preamble.

• Played a key role in shaping the language and tone of the document.

Edmund Randolph - Author of Virginia Plan

• Proposed the Virginia Plan, which became the foundation for much of the Constitution.

• Initially refused to sign the final Constitution but supported it later.

John Jay - Promoter of Raitification

• Although not at the Constitutional Convention, he co-wrote the Federalist Papers.

• Played a major role in supporting ratification and later became the first Chief Justice.

Roger Sherman - The Great Compromiser

• Proposed the Connecticut (Great) Compromise, creating the two-house Congress.

• Signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

• Proposed the New Jersey Plan, favoring equal representation for smaller states.

• Helped ensure small states' interests were protected.