History of North America

Who attended the constitutional convention and what role did they play?

James Madison

* Delegate from Virginia

* Known as the "Father of the Constitution"

* Drafted the Virginia Plan, which served as the basis for the Constitution

* Played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of federalism and the separation of powers

George Washington

* Delegate from Virginia

* President of the Convention

* Provided leadership and guidance throughout the Convention

* His presence helped to lend legitimacy to the Convention and its proceedings

Benjamin Franklin

* Delegate from Pennsylvania

* Oldest delegate at the Convention

* Played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of representation and the Electoral College

* His wisdom and experience were highly valued by the other delegates

Alexander Hamilton

* Delegate from New York

* Strong advocate for a strong central government

* Played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of finance and the military

* His ideas were often controversial, but he was also a brilliant orator and thinker

John Adams

* Delegate from Massachusetts

* Vice President of the Convention

* A strong supporter of the Constitution, he played a key role in defending it against its critics

* His writings, particularly The Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States, helped to persuade many Americans to support the Constitution

James Wilson

* Delegate from Pennsylvania

* A brilliant lawyer and orator, he played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of the judiciary and the separation of powers

* His ideas were often influential, and he helped to shape the final form of the Constitution

Roger Sherman

* Delegate from Connecticut

* A shrewd politician and skilled negotiator, he played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of compromise and representation

* His ideas were often moderate, and he helped to bridge the gap between the different factions at the Convention

Elbridge Gerry

* Delegate from Massachusetts

* A strong advocate for states' rights, he played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of the Senate and the Bill of Rights

* His ideas were often controversial, but he was also a skilled politician and helped to ensure that the concerns of the smaller states were heard at the Convention

George Mason

* Delegate from Virginia

* A strong advocate for individual rights, he played a key role in the Convention debates, particularly on the issues of the Bill of Rights and the separation of church and state

* His ideas were often radical, but he was also a respected thinker and helped to ensure that the Constitution protected the rights of individuals