George Washington initially refused to attend the Constitutional Convention because he suspected that he would be made the Convention's leader, and probably be proposed as the
nation's first chief executive. In 1787, James Madison and General Henry Knox however, were
able to persuade Washington to attend the Convention and he was unanimously elected its
president
The Convention met in Independence Hall through a typically hot and steamy Philadelphia
summer. The delegates' sweltering was heightened by their decision to meet in secret and to
seal the windows shut. As the delegates argued Washington observed, while sitting on a tall
wooden chair on an elevated platform in front. Wearing his old military uniform, Washington
participated little in the debates, seeing his function as nonpartisan, to maintain or restore
order when debate became too boisterous. The role perfectly fit Washington's dignified,
discreet nature. Washington intervened infrequently, and mostly to vote for or against the
various proposed articles. When not in session, Washington toured the city accompanied by
his slaves. To avoid the crowds' emotions and staring, he often ventured out early in the
morning
After the Convention, Washington's strong support convinced many to vote in favor of
ratification
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