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U.S. Constitution: Preamble
The Preamble, or introduction, to the U.S. Constitution lists the purposes for which the new government of the United States of America was established. It begins with “We the People,” emphasizing that the people of the country—not a king or other ruler—are the power creating the U.S. government.
How Many People Signed the U.S. Constitution?
The Constitution did not get everyone’s approval.
Of the 70 delegates chosen as representatives to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, only 55 actually attended the proceedings in Philadelphia, and it is believed that there were never more than 46 of them in attendance at any one time. When it came time to affix their signatures to the soon-to-be famous parchment, 38 of the 41 delegates present became signatories. Citing objections that would become cornerstones for the Anti-Federalists, George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry refused to sign. John Dickinson could not attend the signing but authorized another delegate, George Read, to sign for him. So, in the end, there were 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution.