Carroll was a wealthy planter, slave owner, and large land owner who risked his socials and economic position by supporting the Patriot cause of American independence. He was concerned that the Revolution might fail and bring economic ruin to his family as well as mob rule. He was a friend and strong ally of George Washington; he believed in and "worked for a strong central government that could secure the achievements and fulfill the hopes of the Revolution." In the Convention, Carroll fought for a government that would be responsible to the people directly.