The Founders and the Constitution: John Rutledge
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: John Rutledge owned slaves. Moreover, during the Constitutional Convention, he informed his fellow delegates that the three southernmost states would not join the Union if the Constitution immediately abolished the slave...
The Founders and the Constitution: James Wilson
James Madison was the individual with the most influence on the framing (writing) of the Constitution. Some authors rate James Wilson second. I don’t agree with the latter assessment. Wilson’s impact at the Constitutional Convention, while significant, is overrated....
The Founders and the Constitution: Edmund Randolph
Edmund Randolph was born into a family with a tradition of public service. His maternal grandfather had been King’s Attorney (attorney general) in colonial Maryland. His paternal grandfather, father, and uncle all held the same position in colonial Virginia. His...