Omar Bennett
The ratification of the US Constitution was a complex process that took place over several years. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention knew that they would need to obtain majorities of both states and people for their proposal to be adopted. Seven states ratified the Articles quickly, but Congress rejected all of the proposed amendments. It took three and a half years to ratify the Articles due to the requirement of unanimous approval from the state legislatures. The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, 1787, and once nine states had ratified it, the Constitution was approved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states required for ratification | 9 out of 13 |
| States that ratified the Constitution | Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York |
| Date of ratification | September 17, 1787 |
| Date of first federal elections | December 15, 1788 |
| Date of official implementation of the Constitution | March 4, 1789 |
| First President | George Washington |
| First Vice President | John Adams |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The signing of the new U.S. Constitution
The delegates knew that obtaining unanimous approval from all the states would be challenging, especially with Rhode Island not represented in the Convention and New York likely to oppose any significant transfer of power to Congress. They, therefore, focused on obtaining majorities of both states and people. Seven states ratified the Articles quickly, but Congress rejected all the proposed amendments.
The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York also ratified the Constitution, and once nine states had done so, it was officially approved.
After ratification, Congress set dates for the first federal elections, which took place from December 15, 1788, to January 10, 1789, and the new government began on March 4, 1789. George Washington was elected as the first President, with John Adams as Vice President.
The Journey to Ratify the Constitution
You may want to see also
Ratification by nine states
The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York followed this same strategy. Once nine states had ratified it, the Constitution was approved. Madison was elected to the first Congress and proposed a Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
The constitution was subsequently ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and, finally, New Hampshire. After ratification, Congress set dates for the first federal elections and the official implementation of the Constitution. Elections were set to take place from Monday, December 15, 1788, to Saturday, January 10, 1789, and the new government was set to begin on March 4, 1789. In the nation’s first presidential election, George Washington was elected President and John Adams was elected Vice President.
Connecticut Compromise: Constitution Ratification Enabler
You may want to see also
The Massachusetts Compromise
Ratification of the US Constitution required the approval of nine of the 13 existing states. The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on 7 December 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York followed this same strategy. Once nine states had ratified it, the Constitution was approved.
The Constitution's Ratification: Who Wanted It and Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The history of political parties in the state of New-York, from the ratification of the federal Constitution to December, 1840 ... / By Jabez D. Hammond, LL. D. Volume v.1 1850 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416JPiaex-L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Bill of Rights
The US Constitution was ratified by nine of the 13 existing states. The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on 7 December 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.
Seven states ratified the Articles quickly while also submitting proposed amendments to the Articles. Congress rejected all of the proposed amendments. It took three and a half years to ratify the Articles because of the requirement of the unanimous approval of the state legislatures.
The Massachusetts Compromise reached in February 1788 stipulated that amendments to that effect—what became the Bill of Rights—would be immediately proposed. The constitution was subsequently ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and, finally, New Hampshire.
Madison was elected to the first Congress and proposed a Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
The Unifying Power of Treaty Ratification
You may want to see also
The Federalist Papers
The Constitution was ratified by nine of the 13 existing states. The first state to ratify was Delaware on 7 December 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York followed this same strategy. Once nine states had ratified it, the Constitution was approved.
The process of ratification was not straightforward. Seven states ratified the Articles quickly, but also submitted proposed amendments to the Articles. Congress rejected all of the proposed amendments. It took three and a half years to ratify the Articles because of the requirement of the unanimous approval of the state legislatures.
The Massachusetts Compromise, reached in February 1788, stipulated that amendments to that effect—what became the Bill of Rights—would be immediately proposed. The constitution was subsequently ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and, finally, New Hampshire. After ratification, Congress set dates for the first federal elections and the official implementation of the Constitution.
Constitution and Income Tax: What's the Ratification Link?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nine out of 13 states were required to ratify the Constitution.
Seven states ratified the Constitution quickly.
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.
The first federal election took place from Monday, December 15, 1788, to Saturday, January 10, 1789.
