The Founding Fathers of the United States are a group of late 18th century American revolutionary leaders who united Thirteen Colonies, oversaw the War of Independence against Great Britain, established the United States, and crafted a framework of government for the new nation1. The term “Founding Fathers” is commonly used to refer to those who signed the United States Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution1.
In 1973, historian Richard B. Morris identified seven figures as key Founders, based on what he called the “triple tests” of leadership, longevity, and statesmanship: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington1. These seven men are considered by most as the principle Founding Fathers2.