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// Federalist // // Delegate from Pennsylvania // Wilson represented Pennsylvania, which is a state that posses a great geography, made-up of many wooded areas, water ways and mountainous areas. The main body of water Pennsylvania has is Lake Eire, and the main mountain range is the Allegheny Mountains. Also they had a lot of fertile land which helped their economy. Their economy was pretty good due to their great farming land, where they could produce many crops unique to their area. They also had a strong amount of manufacturing companies due to their abundance of resources. Commerce and transportation were a big contribution in Pennsylvanian’s economy; they built many rivers and roads to export their agricultural goods and trade. The population of Pennsylvania was on the larger side; the third largest of the thirteen colonies. There were many different races living in Pennsylvania including; Indians, English, Africa-Americans, Germans, and more. Even though there was this many races in Pennsylvania they were spread thinly throughout the state. Their social structure was known for its rich cultural life, for being very educated, having one of the first colleges, and having diverse religions. Because of Pennsylvania’s open-mindedness they had many unique cultures and religions in their state.
 * // James Wilson //**
 * Representing the State of Pennsylvania **

James Wilson was born and raised in Scotland and came to the new world in 1765 at the age of twenty-three. Here he got a job as a tutor in the College of Philadelphia, before he found his new love for Law, and earned his honorary M.A. He opened his own law practice in 1768, and became very successful, handling half of the county’s courts cases. Wilson was a very well educated and wealthy man who was very successful in his practice of the law.
 * Occupation and Background Information **

** Constitutional Convention ** Wilson was the only delegate to make an appearance at the Constitutional Convention, and pushed for ratification of the new document. He was a huge influence on the Convention; second most influential after James Madison. Though Wilson had to overcome a lot of oppositions he got Pennsylvania to ratify the Constitution. He was a huge influence on the Constitutional Convention and changed the way many people thought about this new document.

** Ratifying Convention ** James Wilson was present at the Ratification Convention and an active member in getting the constitution ratified. He spoke out very often at the meetings, stating the need for a stronger government. He gave many speeches at the convention to tell others why the Constitution needed to be changed.

** Arguments for Ratification ** Wilson wanted the Constitution to be ratified so that the country had a stronger central government, as well as more unity between the states. This new government could help to protect and strengthen the young country. Through the people’s representation the government could more effectively keep the country in order. Wilson comforted the people that they would still control the fate of the country by picking who represented them.

** Friends & References: ** James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton ** Foes: ** Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and Samuel Adams

** Works Cited ** "A Biography of James Wilson (1742-1798)." From Revolution to Reconstruction. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. .

"Delegates to the Constitutional Convention: James Wilson ." TeachingAmericanHistory.org -- Free Seminars and Summer Institutes for Social Studies Teachers. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. .

"Pennsylvania History." The Pennsylvania General Assembly. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. .

**"Speech of James Wilson." Speech of James Wilson. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. .

"The Federalist V.S Antifederalist Debate: James Wilson’s Speech to the Pennsylvania Convention Versus Letters to a Federal Farmer I." History 404: US Constitution Seminar. Dickinson College, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. .