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Scene at the signing of the Constitution of the United States by American Artist Howard Chandler Christy

Key Players

The signatories of the U.S. Constitution are some of the nation’s iconic figures. Here are some of the
important figures who affixed their signatures to the Constitution.

• George Washington
The first president, Washington was so revered that some Americans called for him to retain
power for life. However, he stepped down after serving two terms as president, which set the
tone for all subsequent presidents until FDR, who served four terms.
• James Madison
A protégé of Thomas Jefferson, Madison led the charge to replace the outdated Articles of
Confederation. He was elected president in 1808.
• Benjamin Franklin
An American renaissance man, Franklin was a member of the Continental Congress and a
major contributor to the Declaration of Independence.

Review

• The Constitution replaced the Articles of Federation and provided a more effective
centralized government.
• The three branches of the government—executive, legislative, and judicial—are discrete
and balance each other’s power.
• The Constitution comprises the preamble and the articles.