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==Conspiracy==
==Conspiracy==
Various conspiracy theories have been proposed about the Constitution, but all have been rejected by conservative scholars. For example the Progressive historians (led by [[Charles Beard]]), as well as Marxists, have portrayed the Constitution as a conspiracy of powerful merchants to enrich themselves further and to stop the growth of democracy. That was false, as is the notion that the Constitutional Convention was somehow illegal or in violation of the laws. (The Convention was called by the existing Congress, which unanimously sent the finished document to the states for ratification.)<ref> For a good review and refutation of conspiracy theories, see [http://www.americanrevolution.org/grassman.html Dr. Curtis E. Grassman, "Conspiracy and the Making of the Constitution" online] which concludes, "The various conspiracy theses have not been very convincing. The historical proof or evidence offered by this school of historians has almost always been found wanting upon further investigation."</ref>
Various conspiracy theories have been proposed about the Constitution, but all have been rejected by conservative scholars. For example the Progressive historians (led by [[Charles Beard]]), as well as Marxists, have portrayed the Constitution as a conspiracy of powerful merchants to enrich themselves further and to stop the growth of democracy. That was false, as is the notion that the Constitutional Convention was somehow illegal or in violation of the laws. (The Convention was called by the existing Congress, which unanimously sent the finished document to the states for ratification.)<ref> For a good review and refutation of conspiracy theories, see [http://www.americanrevolution.org/grassman.html Dr. Curtis E. Grassman, "Conspiracy and the Making of the Constitution" online] which concludes, "The various conspiracy theses have not been very convincing. The historical proof or evidence offered by this school of historians has almost always been found wanting upon further investigation."</ref>
==Statistics==
According to the debate notes taken by James Madison:
Of the fifty six delegates, only forty seven had noticeable speaking roles. The remaining nine contributed in other ways, such as secretary, committee roles, voting for measures, or Washington's position as President of the Convention.
Madison's notes are the primary source of knowledge for understanding of what exactly happened at the convention over the course of those months. Other note-takers include Robert Yates, Rufus King, and William Pierce. The notes of these three confirm the accuracy of Madison's notes.<ref>[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/40861/40861-h/40861-h.htm The Journal of the Debates in the Convention Which Framed The Constitution of the United States, May-September, 1787], The notes of Yates, King, and Pierce are the only unofficial record of the convention extant, besides Madison's, and their chief value is in connection with the Madison record, which in the main they support, and which occasionally they elucidate.</ref>
The majority of the speeches and debating come from Founders Gouverneur Morris, Elbridge Gerry, Charles Pinckney, James Wilson, George Mason, John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, and James Madison himself.
==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==