Constitution Week spotlight

Today is the fifth day of Constitution Week, and we turn our attention to Gouverneur Morris, a Pennsylvania delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

Morris was a tall, imposing man who closely favored George Washington in appearance. He was a man of high society with a peg leg, the result of amputation following a carriage accident at the age of 28.

Morris, an outstanding orator, made 173 speeches at the Constitutional Convention, more than any other delegate. He was one of five members of the Committee of Style and Arrangement tasked with editing the final text and details of the Constitution. He is called the Penman of the Constitution for his contributions to the language and structure of the Constitution. Morris also wrote the 55-word Preamble to the United States Constitution:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Following ratification of the Constitution, Morris served as minister to France. After returning to the United States, he was elected to the Senate, serving one term before losing his reelection bid. Morris died at the age of 64 in 1816.

Who said it? “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

a) John Hancock

b) Patrick Henry

c) John Adams

This Constitution Week Spotlight was provided by Lieutenant George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information about DAR, please visit the chapter’s website at lgfdar.com.

Answer: c) John Adams