Party Crashers and Patriots: The RSVP List for the 1787 Constitutional Convention
Hey there, history buffs and trivia enthusiasts! Buckle up for a crash course on the attendance (or lack thereof) at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, the gathering that basically invented American government as we know it.
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| How Many States Sent Delegates To The Philadelphia Convention Of 1787 How Many Did Not |
The Party People: Who Showed Up to Discuss the Colonies' Future?
The year is 1787. The thirteen colonies are fresh out of the Revolutionary War, feeling a little free, and a whole lotta broke. The current system, the Articles of Confederation, was basically a "Let's Be Friends" pact with zero real power. The colonies knew they needed an upgrade, so they threw a convention (fancy word for a big meeting) to hash things out.
Invitations went out, and guess what? Most of the colonies RSVP'd with a big ol' YAS! Twelve out of thirteen states sent delegates to Philadelphia to debate, brainstorm, and argue about the best way to run this new nation.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Fun Fact: We're talking Founding Fathers here, so of course, there were 74 delegates invited, but only 55 actually showed up. Maybe they got cold feet, or maybe they just weren't that interested in discussing federalism over quill pens and powdered wigs.
The Party Poopers: Who Skipped Out on the Birth of American Government?
There's always one party pooper, right? In this case, it was Rhode Island. Now, Rhode Island had its reasons. They were pretty happy with the whole "Articles of Confederation" situation and weren't convinced a stronger central government was the answer. So, they sat this one out.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Fun Fact: Rhode Island eventually came around and ratified the Constitution in 1790, becoming the last state on board. Guess they finally decided the party wasn't that bad after all.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read): Attendance Edition
- 12 out of 13 colonies sent delegates to the Philadelphia Convention.
- Rhode Island was the only colony that decided to stay home.
Did They Even Have RSVPs Back Then?
Probably not in the formal sense, but invitations were definitely sent.
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
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So, What Does This All Mean?
The fact that most colonies participated in the convention shows a willingness to work together and create a lasting union. Rhode Island's absence, however, highlights the differing opinions about the role of a central government in the new nation.
How To Party Like a Founding Father
Alright, alright, so attending a constitutional convention might not be on your weekend to-do list, but here are some ways you can get your Founding Father fix:
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
How to Learn More About the Constitution? The National Constitution Center [National Constitution Center website] has a treasure trove of resources!
How to Debate Like a Founding Father? Gather some friends, pick a historical topic, and have a civil debate! Bonus points for wearing powdered wigs (optional).
How to Celebrate the Constitution? Constitution Day is September 17th! Celebrate with a museum visit or by reading some of the Founding Fathers' writings.
How to Channel Your Inner Founding Father? Think critically about the government and your role as a citizen.
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