PA Constitutional Convention essays

PA Constitutional Convention essays The drafting of a constitution was not an easy task to accomplish, especially for a newly founded and independent nation. This task was then given to a few representatives from the colonies in order for them to draft a constitution that would serve the best interests of the people it was to govern over. This was not an easy task because of the differences faced by many of the citizens, the differing issues that faced individual colonies, as well as the colonies as a whole nation. Pennsylvania played its own key role with its seven representatives sent to aid in the drafting of the constitution. Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvanias most prominent political figure was there to give his assistance in developing the new government. Dr. Franklin was one of the few American colonists that held any kind of international political sway because of his duties as ambassador for the American people. Probably the most influential person to the continental convention from Pennsylvania was the Scottish born James Wilson. Wilson thought that the appointment of a president was just as dangerous as having a monarch. He strongly believed that the government served the people, that all power was derived from the people, and rejected the social contract theory that people allowed themselves to be ruled in exchange for certain guaranteed rights. Wilson felt that the executive should be one person that is elected to office by representatives that are elected by the people; this syste m was known as the Electoral College. Wilson served in congress from 1775-1777, 1783, and 1785-1787, he would also eventually serve on the Supreme Court as well. Another figure from Pennsylvania was Thomas Mifflin who served in congress from 1774-1775 and again in 1783-1784. Mifflin was a general and one of the first officers commissioned in the newly founded continental army. Robert Morris also served in congress from 1776-1778 ...