Independence Day Throwdown: Signers vs. Framers, They Weren't All Part of the Same Club!
So you're lounging poolside, hot dog in one hand, waving your mini American flag in the other, and BAM! Trivia strikes! Your uncle Phil, a man whose knowledge of the Revolutionary War comes solely from Mel Gibson movies, asks: "Hey, how many of those guys who signed the Declaration of Independence were at that whole Constitution thing in Philadelphia?"
Well, Uncle Phil, settle in, because you're about to get a history lesson that's more exciting than watching paint dry (although, let's be honest, watching those Founding Fathers argue must have been drier than a week-old turkey).
The Philadelphia Convention: A Different Bunch of Dudes
The gathering you're thinking of, the one that produced the U.S. Constitution, was the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. It turns out, the crew who wrestled with how to best govern this new nation wasn't exactly the same as the all-star team who declared independence from Britain in 1776.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
There was some overlap, for sure. Founding Father rockstars like George Washington and James Madison were there for both events. But many signers, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were busy representing the young nation abroad.
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| How Many Delegates To The Philadelphia Convention Had Signed The Declaration Of Independence |
So, How Many Signers Were Also Framers?
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Here's the answer that'll impress Uncle Phil (and maybe score you that extra hot dog): Around eight of the Declaration's signers were also delegates at the Constitutional Convention.
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That means the majority of the guys who said "hasta la vista" to King George weren't the same ones who hammered out the kinks of American government.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
Why the Difference?
Life gets busy, Uncle Phil! Some signers just weren't interested in this new project, while others had bigger fish to fry (like negotiating with France).
Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Philadelphia Convention, clocking in at a sprightly 81 years old. They probably had to carry him in and out in a sedan chair!
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
Constitutional Convention Trivia for Your Next BBQ
- Not all the original 13 colonies sent delegates. Rhode Island, ever the contrarian, decided to sit this one out.
- While 70 delegates were chosen, only 55 actually showed up. Maybe they heard about the long hours and decided to take a vacation instead.
- Only 39 delegates signed the final document, the U.S. Constitution. The rest must have gotten hangry and left early.
How To Ace Your Next Revolutionary War Trivia Night
- How many people signed the Declaration of Independence? There were 56 signers in total.
- How many delegates were at the Philadelphia Convention? 70 were chosen, but only 55 attended.
- How many delegates signed the U.S. Constitution? Only 39 signed the final document.
- What was the purpose of the Philadelphia Convention? Originally meant to revise the Articles of Confederation, it ended up creating a whole new system of government – the U.S. Constitution!
- Who was the oldest delegate at the Philadelphia Convention? Benjamin Franklin, at the ripe old age of 81.
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