United States Constitution | Key Figure Analysis

George Washington

Washington played a major role in American politics. After fighting in the British army in his youth, he became an active political voice against Britain's taxation and control of the colonies. He was eventually appointed commander in chief of the colonial troops and led them into battle against the British. After the ratification of the Constitution, he became the first president of the United States.

James Madison

James Madison was one of the main politicians who pushed for reformation to the Articles of Confederation. He helped organize the Constitutional Convention and is responsible for some of the initial drafts of the Constitution. He coauthored the Federalist Papers while working on getting the Constitution ratified. After the Constitution took effect, he served as a member of Congress and eventually became the fourth president of the United States.

John Adams

Adams was a revolutionary who supported independence from Britain. He served on the first two Continental Congresses and his ideas about government were instrumental in the later writing of the Constitution. In particular, he suggested and supported a republican form of government, with a separation of powers into three branches.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, scientist, and politician. He conducted experiments with lightning and electricity that helped develop an understanding of electricity, which led to new technology. He attended the Constitutional Convention and was an enthusiastic supporter of the document that was drafted.

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was a leading voice in encouraging the Constitutional Convention, and he attended as a delegate from New York. His writings in the Federalist Papers contributed to the creation of the Constitution, though his proposals of a strong national government were generally not supported.