Penman of the Founding
Calvert, Jane E. John Dickinson, one of the architects of the Constitution--and the main author of its predecessor, the Articles of Confederation--refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. His notion of rebellion was of civil disobedience rather than violent overthrow. Dickinson has been portrayed as a cooler head in a moment of hotheads, a Quaker in all but name. During his lifetime, Dickinson freed his slaves, even paid reparations, and advocated exte...