Meeting of the Constitutional Convention

Philadelphia
Friday, May 25, 1787
You will take the identity of a Founding Father, and will prepare and debate the proposed
constitution. You will read their actual conversations for ideas, but you need to prepare
statements that explain what they would say in todays language. (So DONT just read
their conversations to us.thats not the assignment!) You should also argue any other
relevant information and should jump into other arguments as you see fit. George
Washington will keep order, so you must be recognized by him to speak. As tensions
rise, Decorum is mandated so not following protocol will negatively affect you.
Due to the sensitive nature of these discussions, we will hold our Convention in a locked
room with all windows shut. Absolutely no word should leak out to the public or press,
as it may hinder our advancement towards our goals if we cannot speak freely. NOTE:
Okay, maybe notbut be advised that during the summer in Philadelphia, this was their
policy. Temperatures often rose into the high 90s with extremely high humidity.and
yes, they were wearing full, formal, 1787 attire.can you imagine? THESE
MEETINGS WERE EVERY DAY UNTIL OCTOBER!)
Delegates (*signifies they did not sign the Constitution)
Connecticut
William. Samuel Johnson
Roger Sherman
Oliver Ellsworth (Elsworth)* Delaware
George Read
Gunning Bedford, Jr.
John Dickinson
Richard Bassett
Jacob Broom
Georgia
William Few
Abraham Baldwin
William Houston*
William L. Pierce* Maryland
James McHenry
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer
Daniel Carroll
Luther Martin*
John F. Mercer*
Massachusetts
Nathaniel Gorham
Rufus King

Elbridge Gerry*
Caleb Strong* New Hampshire
John Langdon
Nicholas Gilman
New Jersey
William Livingston
David Brearly (Brearley)
William Paterson (Patterson)
Jonathan Dayton
William C. Houston* New York
Alexander Hamilton
John Lansing, Jr.*
Robert Yates*
North Carolina
William. Blount
Richard. Dobbs Spaight
Hugh Williamson
William R. Davie*
Alexander Martin* Pennsylvania
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Mifflin
Robert Morris
George Clymer
Thomas Fitzsimons (FitzSimons; Fitzsimmons)
Jared Ingersoll
James Wilson
Gouverneur Morris
South Carolina
John Rutledge
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Charles Pinckney
Pierce Butler Rhode Island
Virginia
John Blair
James Madison Jr.
George Washington
George Mason*
James McClurg*
Edmund J. Randolph*
George Wythe*
Rhode Island did not send any delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

Agenda: 3 Main Issues To Resolve

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Welcome and call to order, explanation of rules/proceedings

Biographical Background and Introductions
Issue of Representation: Virginia Plan (presented by James Madison) and New
Jersey Plan (presented by William Livingston)
Issue of Slavery
Issue of a Bill of Rights, to possibly be added to the Constitution
Final vote and remarks

Written portion: Who your person was and a brief background of your delegate (1
paragraph), and what they thought about each issue they spoke about. (2-3 paragraphs)
Do you agree with your delegate? Why or why not?
Participation Grade: 100 points
Written Portion: 100 points