Land of the Brave

Founding Fathers

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin

The American Founding Fathers

Many of the 'framers' of and the were to play important roles in the 'Birth of the Nation' and were later honored in history with the title of Founding Fathers.

Who were the American Founding Fathers?

Definition: The Founding Fathers of the United States of America were prominent statesmen, patriots and political leaders who participated in the American Revolution by:

  • Signing the Declaration of Independence
  • Framing and establishing the Constitution
  • Participating in the American Revolutionary War

These three groups of Patriots therefore fall into three distinct sections:

  • The Signers
  • The Framers
  • The Participants

Seven Key Founding Fathers
There were seven, key political leaders and statesmen sometimes referred to as the Seven Founding Fathers of the United States of America. The seven key Founding Fathers that have been selected as key figures were George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton The seven key "Founding Fathers" were either the "Signers of the Declaration of Independence" or the "Framers of the Constitution". Other famous patriot who is also often referred to as a Founding Father is Patrick Henry.

Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence
There is always some confusion regarding which of the key Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence:

  • Framer! George Washington was one of the Founding Fathers who did not sign the Declaration of Independence, he was considered a Founding Father due to his role in framing the Constitution.
  • Signer! John Adams was one of the Founding Fathers who did sign the Declaration of Independence
  • Signer! Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers who did sign the Declaration of Independence
  • Framer! James Madison was one of the Founding Fathers who did not sign the Declaration of Independence, he was considered a Founding Father due to his role in framing the Constitution
  • Framer! John Jay was one of the Founding Fathers who did not sign the Declaration of Independence
  • Signer! Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers who did sign the Declaration of Independence
  • Framer! Alexander Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers who did not sign the Declaration of Independence

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Updated 2018-01-01

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