Actors portray Jefferson and Hamilton as Utah Senate marks Bill of Rights bicentennial

The Utah State Senate set aside time to mark the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights with a committee‑of‑the‑whole presentation featuring two historical presenters portraying Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

Senator Lyle Hilliard introduced the concurrent resolution (SDR 2) declaring 1991 the Bill of Rights bicentennial and called forward two speakers arranged by the Utah Humanities Council and the governor’s bicentennial commission. The presenters — an actor portraying Alexander Hamilton and an actor portraying Thomas Jefferson — delivered short remarks outlining the competing visions that shaped the Constitution and its amendments. The Hamilton presenter described a preference for a strong central government and a vigorous executive branch; the Jefferson presenter emphasized limited government, rotation in office and the need for a written Bill of Rights.

Senators questioned the presenters about why the Bill of Rights was not included in the original constitutional text and how the amendments ultimately became part of the ratification compromise. Presenters explained that Federalist assurances and subsequent action in the first Congress and state ratifying conventions produced the 10 amendments that were ratified in 1791. After floor discussion the Senate advanced the resolution under suspension of rules and recorded co‑sponsorship by all senators; the clerk noted the vote would be recorded as 29‑0 on co‑sponsorship.

Presenters and program personnel named in the transcript include Clay Jenkinson (Thomas Jefferson) and Don Hickey (portraying Alexander Hamilton) and representatives from the Utah Humanities Council. The Senate received framed copies of the Bill of Rights from the presenters for distribution to senators.

Next steps: SDR 2 was advanced and the presenters were thanked by the presiding officer; the presenters announced a public debate later the same day in County Commission Chambers.