1. Founding Fathers

2. What do they have in common? 55 delegates – Nearly all had experience in the continental congress. Had a variety of jobs, many doing more than one simultaneously. 35 were lawyers Upper class for the most part, but not the highest echelon. –Highest class, primarily loyalists. Many left for Britain after the war for independence. Why? They all considered themselves enlightened thinkers. –What is the enlightenment?

3. Benjamin Franklin Oldest of founders Self educated Quaker Reputation as a ladies man –Especially in France and England –Illegitimate son named William (loyalist)

4. George Washington Reluctant leader Southern farmer who owned slaves Genius military commander –Had been a British military leader before independence. The Sign of a great leader –Always wanted people smarter than him around to advise him

5. James Madison Grain and tobacco farmer in Virginia Owned 100 slaves Wanted strong central government (federalist) Opponent to Articles of Confederation Primary architect of constitution

6. Thomas Jefferson Wanted agrarian society Slaveowner –Had an affair with one of his slaves Built Monticello in Virginia, and started University of Virginia Considered himself a scientist. Not a great orator, but rather a great writer. –Author of the Declaration of Independence –Would he have been president if he ran today?

7. From St. Croix in the Caribbean Self taught as a child –Became well known as a writer as a child when he wrote about a hurricane A sponsor sent him to NYC to study Fiery personality Advocate for strong national government Wanted nation to industrialize like Britain. –Conflict with Jefferson over these. Led to his resignation as Sec. of Treasury in 1795 Led to a dual with Aaron Burr Alexander Hamilton

8. The Duel The Burr–Hamilton duel was a duel between two prominent American politicians, the former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and sitting Vice President Aaron Burr, on July 11, 1804. At Weehawken in New Jersey, Burr shot and mortally wounded Hamilton. Hamilton was carried to the home of William Bayard on the Manhattan shore, where he died at 2:00 p.m. the next day.

9. John Adams Lawyer who became a patriot early in the movement Member of the 1 st and 2 nd Continental Congress Hated being vice- president under Washington. –Thought it was a “meaningless position”

10. Discussion Questions 1.Why do you think so many delegates had a background in law? 2.How do you think the differences of opinion may have shaped our government? Example – Jefferson and Hamilton 3.Why was Washington chosen to be the first president? What made him an appealing candidate?