1. Stylist and Drafter:
* Morris is best known for his elegant writing style and his role in finalizing the language of the Constitution.
* He served as the chairman of the Committee of Style, which was tasked with smoothing out the rough drafts and creating the final, cohesive document.
* He is credited with crafting many of the Constitution's famous phrases, including the Preamble ("We the People..."), the opening of the Constitution, and the phrase "general Welfare".
2. Advocate for a Strong Central Government:
* Morris was a strong advocate for a strong central government. He believed that a powerful national government was necessary to ensure stability and unity.
* He opposed the Articles of Confederation and argued for a system that would allow the federal government to regulate commerce and raise taxes more effectively.
3. Influence on Key Issues:
* Morris played a role in shaping key aspects of the Constitution, including:
* The Electoral College: He supported the Electoral College as a way to ensure the election of a well-qualified president.
* The Senate: He favored a bicameral legislature with a Senate to represent states equally and provide a check on the House of Representatives.
* The Bill of Rights: While he wasn't initially a proponent of a Bill of Rights, he eventually came around to the idea, believing it would help secure the ratification of the Constitution.
4. Limited Role in Debates:
* While Morris was influential in shaping the final document, he was not a major voice in the debates at the Convention.
* He often spoke less frequently than other delegates, but his contributions were highly valued for their clarity and persuasiveness.
Overall, Gouverneur Morris was a key figure in the drafting and finalization of the Constitution. His contributions to the language and structure of the document have had a lasting impact on American history.