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Elbridge Gerry

Political Party: Anti-Federalist

Representing: Massachusetts Massachusetts was founded by the puritans early in the 17th century. It was one of the most important states in the union. Not only was it the most patriotic by providing most of the soldiers of the revolutionary war, but it was a huge exporting and importing state. Things came and went from there. Besides being a port, Massachusetts was rich with agricultural jobs and manufacturing jobs. It was a democratic state with a Governor.

Occupation: Shipping Merchant Gerry went to Harvard and after graduating joined his father’s mercantile firm. His business’ in Massachusetts were hit hard due to the British taxation. He a long with Samuel and John Adams became the Patriot triumvirate in the Bay colony. He joined groups to help boycott tax’s such as the Townshend act.

Contribution to Convention: Was present through the signing of the Constitution. He chaired the committee that presented the Connecticut Compromise. Did not think that the Constitution provided adequate protection for the rights of individuals and the rights of the States. He refused to sign the Constitution.

State Ratifying: Was unable to attend the Massachusetts ratifying convention, but would’ve voted against the constitution.

Alliances: Samuel Adams. John Jay. Alexander Hamilton. All tory’s. Foes: Whig’s

Argument against the constitution: Didn’t want direct elections because people could be easily misled. He didn’t support a one-man executive branch and didn’t want the executive branch to be too dependent on another branch of government. He was crucial in the decision of the “Great Compromise” Was head chairman of the committee.


 * "Delegates to the Constitutional Convention:Elbridge Gerry." TeachingAmericanHistory.org -- Free Seminars and Summer Institutes for Social Studies Teachers. Web. 16 Sept. 2011. [].

Bradsher, Greg. "A Founding Father in Dissent." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. [].

"The 13 American Colonies: Massachusetts." //Social Studies for Kids//. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. [].