Alexander Hamilton and His Contributions to the Constitutional Convention

Alexander Hamilton and His Contributions to the Constitutional Convention

Alexander Hamilton was the one to first suggest that the Constitutional Convention be called in May of 1787, in Philadelphia. He was one of the three delegates of New York at the time (1782-83). He had a plan of government already outlined to be held over the current feeble system of the Articles of Confederation. He was a very strong advocate when it came to the government.

As Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, he presented a broad financial program to the first Congress. He stated that the United States assumed full responsibility for its Revolutionary debts, and for the war debts of the states. He also said that a Bank of the United States be chartered.

Many had some doubts about him. Being that he was a lawyer and banker, he was seen as a more wealthy man to be unsure of if they had the best in mind for their country or not.

English: "Mrs. Alexander Hamilton," oil on canvas,...

The front page of the Virginia Plan document.

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On top of Hamilton's plans was the tariff on imported goods and a chain of eliminated taxes. These measures were hoped to strengthen the national government.

His plan for government did not attract support at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. At the end of the long assembly he admitted "No man's ideas were more remote [from the final draft of the Constitution] than his own were known to be." Even with that he had still been a part of the Committee of Style that formed the completed document. He was the only one of the three delegates from his state to sign the document.

Hamilton's views usually won over with the President, especially in 1793 when his challenger, Jefferson, left the government. But family and financial needs forced Hamilton to resign from the Treasury Department.