The Constitution: what history's greatest minds said
The drafting, ratification and meaning of the Constitution, from those who wrote it and those who argued over it.
4 answers from 3 voices. Every answer quotes the figure's own words and links to the source. How we build answers.
Alexander Hamilton
- Why did Alexander Hamilton support ratifying the Constitution?
Alexander Hamilton supported the Constitution because the Articles of Confederation had rendered the government too weak to preserve the Union, regulate commerce, or pay national debts—problems the new Constitution could remedy.
Thomas Jefferson
- Why did Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence to announce the colonies' independence and to express Enlightenment principles about individual rights and government by consent of the governed.
- What did Thomas Jefferson say about religious freedom?
Thomas Jefferson believed religious freedom was fundamental to civil rights, opposing state establishment of religion and advocating separation of church and state through law and principle.
Benjamin Franklin
- What did Benjamin Franklin actually say about the Constitution?
Benjamin Franklin didn't fully approve of the Constitution but signed it anyway, arguing that an imperfect document ratified was better than pursuing an unattainable perfect one that might never materialize.
More topics
Have your own question about the constitution?
Ask any of these figures directly. Answers are grounded in primary sources, with every claim cited.
Choose a figure →