Although one of the greatest statesmen of the American Revolution, Alexander Hamilton’s influence in the Constitutional Convention would be minimal. This was due in large part to the controversial financial policies he enacted between 1789 and 1795.
When the Convention met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in May 1787, Hamilton proposed creating an entirely new national government. He believed the Articles of Confederation were a failure, and the country was headed toward disaster unless changes were made.
Under Hamilton’s plan, the federal government would be responsible for all executive and judicial functions, as well as the regulation of interstate commerce. He also wanted the president of the United States to be elected for life.
Hamilton’s plan was too radical for the other delegates and most of his ideas were rejected. This does not mean that Hamilton did not play an important role at the convention.
As a member of the Committee of the Whole, he made valuable contributions to the debates over the structure and powers of the federal government. He was also instrumental in drafting the final version of the Constitution.
But most historians agree that Hamilton’s proposals for a strong central government were never realistic and that the United States would not have survived if they had been adopted.
Ultimately, the Constitution that emerged from the Constitutional Convention was a compromise that reflected the diverse interests and concerns of the thirteen colonies. Hamilton’s influence can be seen in the final document, but his ideas were tempered by the more moderate views of other delegates.