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John Dickinson (November 8, 1732 - February 14, 1808) Position: Federalist

He was born at Crosiadore estate, near the village of Trappe in Talbot County, Maryland as the second son of Samuel Dickinson and and his second wife, Mary (Cadwalader) Dickinson. Dickinson was raised in a quite prosperous farming family, and later moved to Kent County near Dover, Delaware, where most of his education took place. He married Mary Norris, daughter of a wealthy merchant in 1770 and had at least one daughter. Dickinson played an active role in the political field: served in the Second Continental Congress in 1775-1776, became Pennsylvania Legislator in 1762 and 1764-1771, voted against Declaration of Independence and refused to sign it but supported the Revolutionary War, took a seat in the Continental Congress (1779-80) where he signed the Articles of Confederation, became President of Delaware’s Supreme Executive Counsel in 1781 and President of Pennsylvania in 1782-1785. He took a seat in the Constitutional Convention in 1787, but missed many sessions because of his illnesses. John Dickinson died at Wilmington, Delaware at the age of 75 and was buried in the Friends Burial Ground.
 * Occupation and Background **

**Constitutional Convention** As a representative of a small state, he favored the “small-state plan”, asking for state equality in Congress. Delaware sent him to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was a contributor to the Great Compromise, his debates centered mainly upon the election of and powers for the president. AS a result, the Great Compromise allowed equal representation in the senate and representation by population in the House of Representatives. The executive branch was dedicated to the president, where he becomes the military commander in chief, has the power to appoint in the domestic offices, and the power to veto over legislation. John Dickinson was not present to sign the constitution due to his failing health, but he gave authorization to George Read to do so for him.

**States Ratifying Convention** John Dickinson strongly supported the Constitution. Under the pen name “Fabius”, he wrote nine essays to promote constitutional ratification.

John Dickinson resented many ideas of Madison and the other nationalists. He supported the strong central government and state equality. He opposed against slavery and favored the “small state plan”.
 * Constitutional Arguments **

Works Cited "Delaware." - National Constitution Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. < __http://constitutioncenter.org/education/students/studying-the-constitution/founding-fathers/delaware/>.__

"Delegates to the Constitutional Convention:John Dickinson." Delegates to the Constitutional Convention:John Dickinson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. < __http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/delegates/dickinson.html>.__

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"John Dickinson." John Dickinson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. < <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">__http://www.nndb.com/people/217/000050067/>.__

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**"John Dickinson (1732-1808)." John Dickinson (1732-1808). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. < <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">__http://chronicles.dickinson.edu/encyclo/d/ed_dickinsonJ.htm>.__