George Washington (1732–1799) rose from a Virginia planter and provincial officer to become commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and the indispensable leader who secured American independence. He then presided over the Constitutional Convention and served two terms as the first President of the United States, establishing enduring precedents for republican government, civilian control of the military, and peaceful transfer of power.

William Cushing (1732-1810) was a Massachusetts lawyer and judge who served on the Supreme Court longer than any of Washington's original appointees. He served as a Massachusetts judge and Chief Justice and became particularly notable for his 1783 judicial treatment of slavery under the Massachusetts Constitution. He served on the Supreme Court from 1790 until his death in 1810.

John Blair Jr. (1732-1800) was a Virginia lawyer, judge, constitutional convention delegate, and one of Washington's original Supreme Court appointees. He participated in Virginia's revolutionary government, served on the Virginia Court of Appeals, and participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His five years on the Supreme Court were marked by a notably restrained, text-centered approach, particularly in his separate opinion in Chisholm v. Georgia.

Thomas Johnson (1732-1819) was a Maryland lawyer, Revolutionary statesman, and the first governor of Maryland, who became appointed to the Supreme Court. He served in the Continental Congress, helped establish Maryland's revolutionary government, and later became a George Washington appointed justice to the Supreme Court. Poor health prevented him from remaining on the Court for long, and he resigned in 1793 after participating in only a handful of cases.

John Adams (1735–1826) was a Founding Father, lawyer, diplomat, first Vice President, and the second President of the United States, who played a central role in advocating for independence, drafting the influential Massachusetts Constitution, and securing peace with Britain and France. Known for his steadfast commitment to law, republican principles, and diplomacy.

George Clinton (1739-1812) was a Revolutionary War officer and influential New York statesman through a long service as governor and later Vice President. An opponent of the Constitution's ratification, he later joined the Jeffersonian Republican coalition and served as vice president under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.