Adopted in September 1776, the first constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was arguably the most democratic of all the early state constitutions. Drafted largely by founders George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin, the constitution contained a declaration of rights and granted the vote to any tax-paying free man over the age of 21; at the time, most state constitutions granted voting rights to property owners. The constitution established a unicameral legislature elected annually and lacked a provision for a state governor. Instead, voters elected a twelve-member council to serve as the executive branch as well as make all judicial appointments. While annual elections acted as “the people’s” check on legislative power, the legislature also created a Council of Censors designed to undo “unjust” laws. However, the lack of a firm system of checks and balances over the legislature led to a second constitutional convention in 1790.