Were the constitutional convention meetings held in secret?

The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, generally operated in secrecy, with its proceedings closed to the public to encourage open and candid discussion. However, the level of secrecy varied throughout the convention.

1. Early Stages:

Initially, the convention was conducted under strict secrecy. Delegates took an oath of secrecy, agreeing not to reveal any proceedings within or outside the convention without explicit permission. This strict confidentiality was motivated by the sensitivity of the discussions, fear of external influence, and the desire to allow for unreserved debates without public scrutiny.

2. Limited Disclosures:

As the convention progressed, some limited disclosures occurred. Some participants, like Benjamin Franklin, occasionally shared general summaries of the proceedings with specific individuals, but they were strictly forbidden from sharing detailed accounts.

3. Leaks:

Despite the oaths of secrecy, leaks happened. Some delegates shared information with their constituents, leading to articles and publications that offered glimpses into the convention's discussions. However, these leaks provided incomplete or fragmented accounts of the proceedings.

4. James Madison's Notes:

James Madison, a delegate from Virginia, took extensive notes during the convention. These notes documented the day-to-day discussions, resolutions, debates, and proposals, providing a valuable historical record. However, Madison's notes were not immediately released; they remained private for several decades before being published.

5. Final Stages:

Towards the end of the convention, the level of secrecy loosened slightly. Once the document was near completion, some delegates openly discussed the general principles of the Constitution with trusted individuals.

It's worth noting that the convention operated in a time without rapid communication technologies. The challenges of disseminating information across vast distances contributed to the secrecy efforts.

In summary, while the Constitutional Convention generally operated in secret, there were occasional disclosures and leaks, but the full proceedings remained confidential until later. The extensive notes taken by James Madison became a crucial source of information about the convention's deliberations.