Virtual Tour Detail

John Adams was uniquely suited to the challenge of creating the Massachusetts Constitution. Selected as Braintree's delegate to the Constitutional Convention and then as the documents "principle engineer," Adams knew that the new Constitution would have to satisfy both wealthy merchants and farmers. He sought to balance the interests of rich and poor, as well as legislative and executive power.

The Massachusetts Constitution reflects not only Adams's views on politics and society but also his belief that the true source of political authority derives from the people.