Party Crashing, Founding Father Style: How Many Dudes Showed Up to the Constitutional Convention?
So, you're telling me there was a big ol' political party in Philadelphia back in May of 1787? Heck yeah! It wasn't exactly kegs and kazoos, but it was a pretty important get-together: the Constitutional Convention. These Founding Fathers (and a few Founding Fellas, we're looking at you, you shady land speculators) gathered to hash out the rules of the road for this new nation they were building. But with thirteen colonies, how many delegates showed up to this historic shindig? Well, buckle up, because things weren't exactly punctual...
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| How Many Delegates Were Present For The Constitutional Convention In Philadelphia In May Of 1787 |
The RSVP Struggle Was Real
The invitation originally went out to all thirteen states, but Rhode Island decided to be a party pooper and skip out entirely. That left twelve colonies, but even then, getting everyone on the same page was a challenge. On May 14th, the supposed start date, only delegates from Virginia and Pennsylvania showed up. It was like that time you threw a house party and your two closest friends were the only ones who showed face... for a solid hour. Luckily, by May 25th, enough delegates trickled in to form a quorum (fancy way of saying they had enough people to officially get the party started).
So, How Many Delegates Crashed This Political Bash?
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Now we're getting down to business! While 74 delegates were initially chosen by the states, only 55 delegates actually showed up throughout the whole convention. Hey, some folks had farms to run, battles to re-enact, or maybe they just got cold feet. Whatever the reason, 55 delegates ended up participating in the discussions and debates that shaped the U.S. Constitution.
Fun Fact: Out of those 55 delegates, only 39 actually signed the final document. Maybe they got tired of listening to Alexander Hamilton talk about economics for the 87th time?
"But Wait, There's More!"
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
This whole thing wasn't just about attendance. The delegates also had some pretty big disagreements – big enough to make you wonder if they were about to throw metaphorical punches. There were arguments about the size of states, the power of the federal government, and whether everyone should get a participation trophy (okay, maybe not that last one). But through compromise and maybe a few rounds of revolutionary-era refreshments, they managed to hammer out a pretty darn important document.
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How-To FAQs:
How to throw a party like a Founding Father?
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
- Forget the keg, break out the inkwells and parchment paper!
- Formal attire is a must (knee breeches and tricornes highly encouraged).
- Prepare for lengthy debates about representation and federalism (BYOB - Bring Your Own Brochure).
How to become a Founding Father?
- Unfortunately, time travel hasn't been invented yet.
- But you can always channel your inner revolutionary by getting involved in your community and advocating for what you believe in!
How many delegates attended the Constitutional Convention?
55!
How many states sent delegates?
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
12! Rhode Island, you party animal, you.
How many delegates signed the Constitution?
39! We see you, Alexander Hamilton, taking a long lunch break that day.
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