Interesting U.S. Constitution Facts You May Not Know
The Omni Financial team is proud to observe Constitution Day. This special day is celebrated on September 17 and commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. Established in 2004 by Senator Robert Byrd, the day honors the most important and influential legal document in United States history and also recognizes people who were born in the United States, or who have obtained citizenship through naturalization.
While you may be familiar with the content and significance of the Constitution, here’s a list of some interesting facts you may not know:
- Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old and in poor health when he signed the Constitution, and was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.
- Comprised of 4,400 words, the U.S. Constitution is the shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. It is also the oldest.
- Thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution, but 42 delegates attended the meeting. Because the document did not have a bill of rights, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts and Edmund Randolph and George Mason of Virginia and refused to sign.
- The youngest person to sign the Constitution was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey.
- The word “democracy” is not used once in the Constitution.
- Several words are spelled the British way including “controul,” and “labour.”
- The only Presidents to sign the Constitution were George Washington and James Madison.
- Jacob Shallus, A Pennsylvania General Assembly clerk, “penned” the Constitution and was paid $30, which would be about $726 today.
- The word “Pennsylvania” is spelled incorrectly as “Pensylvania” above the signers’ names.
- Thomas Jefferson was in France during the Constitutional Convention and did not sign the document.
- In the Constitution, the word “choose” is spelled “chuse” which at the time was an alternate spelling of the word.
- Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
- In 2004 Senator Robert Byrd added the Constitution Day clause to his spending bill. This clause mandates that any schools that receive federal funds must be taught about the Constitution.
The U.S. Constitution formed the framework for our government and influences the lives of Americans every day. Omni Financial celebrates Constitution Day and honors the United States military personnel who continue to fight to uphold the principles and values of our nation.
Omni Financial® has been a trusted military lender for 63 years. For more information about our military loans for active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard service members, contact us today.
