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Some delegates refused to sign the Constitution for various reasons, including concerns about the balance of power between the states and the federal government, the lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties, and the compromise on the issue of slavery. Additionally, some delegates believed that the Constitution did not go far enough in addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and creating a strong central government. These disagreements led to a diversity of opinions and ultimately resulted in some delegates choosing not to sign the final document.
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BeauElbridge Gerry, George Mason, Edmund Randolph
Three delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (1787) refused to sign:
Elbridge Gerry (MA)
George Mason (VA)
Edmund Randolph (VA)
Other delegates who were only there for portions of the summer were also not "Signers". People like Robert Yates and John Lansing from NY, for example.
Those who did not sign (Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts) chose not to because of a) Concerns the constitution did not adequately address individual liberties and central government's power would run unchecked and b) for fear of igniting elements currently simmering at home.
Most would agree that most if not all those who DID sign the constitution did so knowing (and mainly BECAUSE) they considered it a living document, and all its contents to be subject to change at the will of the people. Their concern was to have it signed and show the will and solidarity of the people at a critical junction in history, to avoid anarchy and establish law, but never to leave the document behind as irrefutable.
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Why does some delegates refuse to sign the final draft of the Constitution?
well mainly they believed the new plan did NOT protect the rights of the people and they felt that rights were more important than a strong government.
Why did only 35 people sign the constitution not all the 55 deligates?
It should be noted that only 39 delegates signed the Constitution. There is one additional signature, that of William Jackson - he was the secretary of the convention and not a delegate. Of the 55 delegates, all of them identified themselves at some point in their lives as Christians or, at the very least, Deists. The vast majority were Protestant, most being Episcopalian, with Presbyterian also making up considerable number. Only two were Roman Catholic.
What is the true date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
The greater majority of the delegates did not sign until August 2, 1776. Only John Hancock and the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson signed it on July 4, 1776. Although Congress had decreed that all delegates sign it on August 2, there were still some delegates who did not sign it till later.
What did some delegates to the constitutional convention think that a republic would protect?
what did some delegates to the constitutional convention think a republic would do
Why did some of the delegates want to censor the convention?
They wanted to keep the Constitution a secret because a leakage of information can spell treason for going against the established government, which at the time, was Articles of Confederation.
