Gouverneur Morris Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gouverneur Morris.

Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816) was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat known for his crucial contributions to the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. Born in New York City, Morris graduated from Columbia University and quickly established himself as a prominent lawyer. Although he lost part of his leg in a carriage accident in 1780, he overcame his physical limitations and resumed his successful career.

Morris played a significant role in the Revolutionary War era, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress and collaborating with fellow Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. He was an active participant at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he strongly advocated for a powerful central government and a strong executive branch. Morris is widely credited with writing the final draft of the Constitution's Preamble, which begins with the famous words, "We the People of the United States."

Throughout his life, Morris held various political positions, including U.S. Senator from New York. He also served as the U.S. Minister to France from 1792 to 1794, during a tumultuous period that included the French Revolution. Morris' experiences in Europe influenced his opinions on government and society, and he later became an outspoken critic of the French Revolution.

Gouverneur Morris made significant contributions to the development of the United States, not only through his involvement in the Constitutional Convention but also through his legal career and diplomatic service. His strong commitment to a robust central government and his concise writing in the Constitution's Preamble left an indelible mark on American history.