The signers of the Constitution were 39 delegates who officially signed the document on September 17, 1787, at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This guide identifies who they were, the states they represented, their primary roles in the debates, and notable facts about their participation. It clarifies that the Constitution was not signed by all delegates present, and some prominent figures chose not to sign. The following profile breakdown provides a verified, enduring reference for understanding the men who framed and formally endorsed the Constitution and the significance of their act.
Key Facts at a Glance
The table below summarizes core details about the signers, including identity, state, and role for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Total Signers | 39 | Convention records |
| Primary Document Date | September 17, 1787 | National Archives |
| Convention Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia | Convention journals |
| Notable Absences | Edmund Randolph, George Mason, Elbridge Gerry (did not sign) | Delegates lists |
| Presiding Officer | George Washington (did not sign as a delegate) | Convention rules |
Who Officially Signed
Thirty-nine delegates formally signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787, representing 12 of the then-existing states. The act of signing signaled formal endorsement and helped move the document toward ratification by the states. Each signer brought distinct perspectives from their states and prior political service, which influenced Convention debates. Below are the names of those who signed, grouped roughly by state for clarity.
- Delaware: George Read, Gunning Bedford Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom
- Pennsylvania: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas FitzSimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris
- New Jersey: William Livingston, David Brearley, William Paterson, Jonathan Dayton
- Georgia: William Few, Abraham Baldwin
- Connecticut: Oliver Ellsworth, William Samuel Johnson
- Massachusetts: Rufus King, Nathaniel Gorham
- Maryland: James McHenry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll
- South Carolina: John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler
- New Hampshire: Nicholas Gilman, John Langdon
- New York: Alexander Hamilton
- Virginia: George Washington, John Blair, James Madison
Notable Delegates Who Did Not Sign
Several delegates present at the Convention chose not to sign the Constitution. Their reasons varied, including concerns about the lack of a bill of rights, the structure of the executive, or the pace of deliberation. These decisions are documented in Convention notes and later historical accounts.
- Edmund Randolph (Virginia) — Initially supported a stronger national government but withheld his signature until late objections were addressed.
- George Mason (Virginia) — Refused to sign over the absence of a declaration of rights and concerns about federal power.
- Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts) — Left the Convention early and declined to sign due to reservations about the document’s balance between state and federal authority.
Roles and Influence of Key Signers
Some signers played prominent leadership roles during the Convention, shaping the debates and the text of the document. Others contributed through committee work or by lending their prestige to the final product. This selective set of profiles highlights figures whose contributions are frequently noted in historical summaries.
George Washington
As the presiding officer, Washington maintained order and neutrality, setting a tone of decorum and deliberation. His presence reassured many delegates, and his signature lent immediate credibility to the document, although he did not debate as a delegate.
Benjamin Franklin
At 81, Franklin was the oldest delegate and a symbol of international respect. He supported the Constitution and urged conciliation, famously reminding colleagues that imperfect agreements were a step toward progress.
James Madison
Known as the Father of the Constitution, Madison meticulously prepared for the Convention, took extensive notes, and argued forcefully for a strong federal framework. His detailed records remain a primary source for historians.
Alexander Hamilton
Though a smaller presence in daily debates, Hamilton advocated for a robust executive and a stable financial foundation. His later work defending the Constitution in the Federalist Papers extended his influence well beyond the signing.
Differences Between Signers, Framers, and Ratifiers
It is common to conflate those who signed the document, those who participated in drafting it, and those who later approved it through state ratification. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the roles individuals played in the Constitution’s creation.
- Signers: Delegates who physically signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787, at the Convention.
- Framers: Participants who contributed to the drafting and debating process, including some who did not sign.
- Ratifiers: Delegates elected by state conventions who voted to approve the Constitution, often months after the signing.
Legacy and Historical Impact
The act of signing bound the delegates to present the document to their states, and it remains a powerful symbol of collective commitment to forming a more perfect union. The identities of the signers are public and enduring, and their decisions continue to influence constitutional interpretation. By examining who signed, who abstained, and why, modern readers can better appreciate the political and personal dynamics at work in 1787.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many delegates were present at the signing? — 39 delegates signed; approximately 55 total delegates participated in the Convention at various times.
- Did anyone sign later than September 17, 1787? — A few delegates signed after the official date as they returned to the Convention or resolved last-minute concerns; the parchment was finalized and engrossed in early October.
- Are the signatures authentic and verified? — Yes. The signed document is held by the National Archives and has been studied and authenticated through handwriting analysis and historical records.
- How does signing differ from ratifying? — Signing indicated support at the Convention; ratifying required approval by state conventions, which occurred afterward under state-level processes.