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James Wilson

Position Federalist

State Representation Pennsylvania

Occupation and socio- economic background James Wilson was born in Scotland, but eventually came to the states. While in Scotland he went to three different colleges and never earned and degree, but when he came to the states he asked to be given a degree. He started working at the College of Pennsylvania, and then decided he wanted to go in to law. Wilson then proceeded to study under John Dickinson for a short time. After two years he moved westward to start his own practice which succeeded. Shortly after that in 1775 he was elected into the Continental Congress.

Constitutional Convention He was a member of the Constitutional Convention many times. James Wilson served from 1775 to 1777 as well as 1783 and 1785 to 1786. Wilson was amongst the influential delegates of the convention. Wilson collaborated with James Madison a lot in the promotion of sovereignty, especially in the election of congressmen. Wilson also became one of the Convention’s leading advocates for a strong and powerful federal government.

Arguments for the Ratification James Wilson was a huge believer of the elimination of slavery. He wanted to change that in the states, but if he abolished it completely there would be a mass amount of turmoil, especially in the southern states. He was also a big advocate for American independence.

References John Dickenson, James Madison, Robert Morris

Bibliography "James Wilson." Signers of the Decleratin of Independence. Independence Hall Association, 4 July 1995. Web. 19 Sept. 2009. "James Wilson." Web. 18 Sept. 2009. Smith, Charles. "James Wilson." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. University of North Carolina Press. Web. 18 Sept. 2009.