Gouverneur Morris |
 |
Early Life and EducationGouverneur Morris was an American statesman, lawyer, and Founding Father best known for his role in writing the final draft of the United States Constitution. Born on January 31, 1752, in Morrisania, New York (now part of the Bronx), he came from a wealthy landowning family. Despite a childhood injury that left him with a deformed arm and a later carriage accident that resulted in the amputation of his leg, Morris remained active in public life and politics. Political Career and the Revolutionary WarMorris was highly educated, graduating from King’s College (now Columbia University) at age 16. He studied law and quickly became involved in colonial politics, serving in the New York Provincial Congress and later in the Continental Congress. During the Revolutionary War, Morris supported independence and helped draft the Articles of Confederation, although he believed they were too weak to sustain a strong national government. Role in the Constitutional ConventionIn 1787, Morris was chosen to represent Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He delivered more speeches than any other delegate—over 170—and became one of the most influential voices in shaping the new government. He strongly advocated for a powerful national government, the direct election of the president, and the importance of property rights. Contribution to the U.S. ConstitutionMorris’s most lasting contribution was serving as the principal author of the final language of the U.S. Constitution. His gift for clear, elegant prose is evident in the famous opening words of the Preamble: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” These words reflected his belief in a government based on the authority of the people, rather than a loose confederation of states. Later Life and LegacyAfter the Constitution was ratified, Morris served as the U.S. Minister to France from 1792 to 1794 during the French Revolution. He later returned to the United States and served as a U.S. Senator from New York. Morris remained active in politics and public service until his death in 1816. Known for his sharp wit, strong opinions, and bold ideas, Gouverneur Morris was a key figure in the founding of the United States. His eloquent writing and firm belief in a strong, united republic helped shape the foundation of American democracy. Early LifeGouverneur Morris was born on January 31, 1752, in New York. He came from a rich family. As a child, he hurt his arm badly, and later in life, he lost part of his leg in an accident. Even with these challenges, he worked hard and became a leader in the early United States. Education and Early CareerMorris went to college at age 12 and finished by 16. He became a lawyer and got involved in politics. During the American Revolution, he helped plan the first U.S. government, but he thought it was too weak. Helping Write the ConstitutionIn 1787, Morris joined other leaders at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He gave more speeches than anyone else and believed the country needed a strong national government. He also thought the people, not just the states, should have power in the government. Writing the Final ConstitutionMorris wrote the final version of the U.S. Constitution. He chose the words very carefully. He is the one who wrote the famous opening: “We the People of the United States.” These words showed that the government got its power from the people. Later YearsAfter the Constitution was finished, Morris went to France as a U.S. representative. Later, he became a U.S. Senator from New York. He stayed active in politics until he died in 1816. LegacyGouverneur Morris is remembered as a smart and brave leader. He helped shape the U.S. government and wrote some of its most important words. His work still matters today. |