Timeline of drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution

The Timeline of Drafting and Ratification of the United States Constitution traces the path of the United States Constitution from its inception as an idea through its drafting at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, to its ratification by the requisite number of states in 1788, and finally its effective establishment as the supreme law of the United States in 1789. This period marks a critical moment in the history of the United States, laying the foundational legal framework of the federal government and outlining the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Timeline

1786

• May - The Annapolis Convention is held to discuss revisions to the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States. The convention ends with a recommendation for another convention to be held in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses in the Articles.

1787

• May 25 - The Philadelphia Convention (also known as the Constitutional Convention) convenes at the Pennsylvania State House. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen states (Rhode Island did not participate) gather to discuss the creation of a new constitution.
• September 17 - The Constitution is signed by 39 of the 55 delegates present at the conclusion of the Philadelphia Convention. The document is then sent to the states for ratification.

1788

• December 7 - Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the Constitution, doing so unanimously.
• December 12 - Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution.
• December 18 - New Jersey ratifies the Constitution, also unanimously.
• January 2 - Georgia ratifies the Constitution.
• January 9 - Connecticut ratifies the Constitution.
• February 6 - Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, after proposing future amendments including a Bill of Rights.
• April 28 - Maryland ratifies the Constitution.
• May 23 - South Carolina ratifies the Constitution.
• June 21 - New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, ensuring its establishment as the new framework of governance for the United States.
• June 25 - Virginia ratifies the Constitution, after a close vote and a promise that a Bill of Rights would be added.
• July 26 - New York ratifies the Constitution, after a heated debate and the promise of a Bill of Rights.
• November 21 - North Carolina rejects the Constitution in its first convention.

1789

• March 4 - The Constitution takes effect, with the new government of the United States beginning operations.
• April 30 - George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City, the temporary capital.
• June 21 - New Hampshire ratifies the Bill of Rights, ensuring their adoption.

1790

• May 29 - Rhode Island ratifies the Constitution, the last of the original thirteen states to do so.

Aftermath

The ratification of the United States Constitution marked a pivotal moment in American history, establishing a federal government with more authority than was provided under the Articles of Confederation. It also laid the groundwork for the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments guarantee essential rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, the press, and religion, and protect against governmental abuses of power.