Simone Lawson
Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the US Constitution, doing so in 1790, more than a year after it went into effect. The state had a reputation for opposing a closer union with the other former British colonies, earning it the nickname Rogue Island. Rhode Island's opposition was partly due to its fear of losing control over its monetary policy and its aversion to direct federal taxes. The state's large Quaker population was also appalled by the allowance of the slave trade, even if it was for a limited time. Additionally, Rhode Islanders disagreed with each other over the ratification, with farmers and others in the countryside not wanting to give power to a central government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fear of direct federal taxes | Fear of losing control over its monetary policy |
| Aversion to the lengthy terms for members of Congress | Opposition to overturning the Articles of Confederation |
| Large Quaker population offended by provisions on the slave trade | Opposition to any move that may threaten state sovereignty |
| Federalist scorn for the state's "excess of democracy" | Fear of losing trade with other states |
| Use of paper money issued in Rhode Island pounds |
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What You'll Learn
Rhode Island's boycott of the 1787 Constitutional Convention
In 1787, Rhode Island was the only state that refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, earning it the nickname "Rogue Island". The state's opposition was largely due to its desire to maintain control over its monetary policy and its aversion to the expansion of the national government. Rhode Island had a history of opposing amendments that might threaten state sovereignty and had vetoed an act passed by Congress under the Articles of Confederation, leading to a press war that lasted nearly 10 years.
The governing Country Party in Rhode Island had been issuing paper money in Rhode Island pounds since 1786, which resulted in rampant inflation and made the state a symbol of what was wrong with the Confederation for many Americans. Opponents of state-issued paper currency called for a new Constitution that would ban it, further alienating Rhode Island. Additionally, the state's large Quaker population was offended by provisions in the new Constitution that allowed the importation of slaves, even if only for a limited time.
Fearing the consequences of import taxes on their businesses, Rhode Island merchants became advocates for the new Constitution. However, the state legislature repeatedly rejected attempts to ratify it. Between September 1787 and January 1790, the legislature rejected 11 attempts at ratification. On May 18, 1790, the United States Senate passed a bill that would ban all trade with Rhode Island if enacted, effectively isolating the state. Faced with this threat, the Rhode Island General Assembly capitulated and ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790, by a narrow margin of 34-32.
Rhode Island's ratification included a list of caveats and proposed amendments, such as the abolition of the slave trade. The state's boycott of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and its subsequent resistance to ratifying the Constitution highlight its concerns over monetary policy, state sovereignty, and the slave trade. These issues ultimately shaped the state's relationship with the rest of the nation during the formative years of the United States.
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Opposition to federal taxes and lengthy Congressional terms
Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 states to ratify the US Constitution, doing so in 1790, more than a year after it went into effect. This was due to a variety of concerns, including opposition to federal taxes and lengthy Congressional terms.
Rhode Island had a long history of opposing the growth of national power and any move that might threaten state sovereignty. This was exemplified in their refusal to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the only state not to do so. The state's governing Country Party, which had come to power in 1786, was infuriated by the prospect of a national tax and opposed the expansion of the national government. They favoured an inflationary monetary policy, printing 100,000 pounds worth of paper currency in a single month, which led to rampant inflation and further alienated Rhode Island from the other states.
The fear of federal taxation was a significant factor in Rhode Island's opposition to the Constitution. The state had a history of issuing its own paper currency, the Rhode Island pound, and did not want to give up control over its monetary policy to the federal government. This was a key reason why the Country Party, which supported this policy, was so opposed to the Constitution and why the state repeatedly rejected calls for a ratifying convention.
Additionally, Rhode Island was concerned about the lengthy terms for members of Congress under the proposed Constitution. The state valued its independence and wanted to retain as much control as possible over its own affairs. The idea of having Congress meet and make decisions for extended periods went against their desire for limited federal government involvement.
The state's large Quaker population also played a role in opposing the Constitution. They were offended by provisions in the Constitution that allowed for the importation and trade of slaves, even if it was for a limited time. This further contributed to the state's reluctance to ratify the Constitution and their desire to maintain their own laws and values.
Rhode Island's opposition to federal taxes and lengthy Congressional terms was part of a broader concern for state rights and independence. The state's unique history and perspective shaped its relationship with the federal government and influenced its eventual, albeit reluctant, ratification of the Constitution.
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Aversion to the slave trade
Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the US Constitution, only doing so in 1790, over a year after it went into effect. The state had a complicated history with slavery. While it passed the first anti-slavery statute in the US colonies in 1652, the law was very limited in its scope, and the colony would later dominate the North American slave trade.
Rhode Island's early relationship with slavery was complex. In 1652, the colony passed the first anti-slavery statute in the US, which banned the lifetime ownership of slaves. However, this statute only applied to white and black people, and it was legal to keep someone as an indentured servant for up to 10 years. In 1676, the colony prohibited the enslavement of Native Americans. Despite these early anti-slavery laws, by 1750, Rhode Island had the highest percentage of enslaved people in New England, with 10% of its population living in bondage.
The colony was a major slave-trading port in North America and played a significant role in the North American slave trade. The region supplied the West Indies, which had a large slave population, with food and housewares in exchange for molasses, which was used to distill rum. Rhode Island became the top exporter of rum. The lack of a uniform slave code across the colonies and the economic benefits of the slave trade may have contributed to Rhode Island's dominance in this trade.
When the time came to ratify the US Constitution, Rhode Islanders were divided over the issue. Some, particularly those in cities that relied on trade with other states, supported ratification because it would create a single currency, making interstate trade easier. However, farmers and those in rural areas were less concerned about interstate trade and were reluctant to give power to a central government.
Rhode Island's reluctance to ratify the Constitution may also have been influenced by its history with slavery and the economic interests of its merchants. The Constitution's eventual ban on state-issued paper currency may have been a significant factor, as rampant inflation from state-issued currency had made Rhode Island a symbol of the problems under the Confederation. Additionally, the state's reluctance to hold a convention and its opposition to expanding the powers of the national government may have been influenced by a desire to maintain control over its own laws and policies, including those related to slavery and trade.
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Fear of losing control over monetary policy
Rhode Island was the last of the 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution in 1790, more than a year after it went into effect. The state had a reputation for opposing a closer union with the other former British colonies and was nicknamed "Rogue Island" and "the Perverse Sister". Rhode Island's opposition to the Constitution stemmed from a variety of concerns, including a fear of losing control over its monetary policy.
The state had a history of going against the grain, casting the lone dissenting vote and preventing action from being taken under the Articles of Confederation. This rebellious streak continued when Rhode Island refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the only state to do so. The Country Party, which governed Rhode Island, issued paper money in Rhode Island pounds since 1786, which was intended to pay off the state's debts. This inflationary monetary policy was opposed by other states, who called for a new Constitution that would ban state-issued currency.
Rhode Islanders were divided over the ratification of the Constitution. Those in cities that relied on trade with other states wanted the Constitution to pass because a single currency would simplify interstate trade. However, farmers and those in rural areas were less concerned about interstate trade and were reluctant to cede power to a central government. The fear of losing control over monetary policy was consistent with Rhode Island's general concern for the growth of national power and state sovereignty. They wanted to maintain their independence and autonomy in economic decision-making, particularly regarding currency issuance and management.
The state's large Quaker population also opposed the slave trade provisions in the Constitution, which allowed the importation of slaves for a limited time. Despite these concerns, commercial interests ultimately prevailed, and Rhode Island ratified the Constitution in May 1790 by a narrow margin of 34-32. This decision was influenced by the threat of a trade embargo against the state, which would have had detrimental consequences for merchants and businesses.
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State sovereignty and veto power
Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the US Constitution, only doing so in 1790, more than a year after it went into effect. The state had a reputation for opposing a closer union with the other former British colonies, earning it the nickname "Rogue Island".
Rhode Island was particularly protective of its state sovereignty and was opposed to any move that might threaten it. Under the Articles of Confederation, unanimity of the former colonies was required for the Confederation to take action, and Rhode Island was known for casting the lone dissenting vote, preventing action from being taken. The state was also strongly opposed to the expansion of the national government and favoured an inflationary monetary policy.
Rhode Island was the only state that did not send a delegation to the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, where the US Constitution was drafted. The state legislature repeatedly rejected calls for a convention to ratify the Constitution, instead calling for a statewide referendum on the issue. The Constitution was overwhelmingly defeated in this referendum, but fewer than half of the state’s freemen had voted.
Rhode Island was also particularly ready to use its veto power. The state vetoed an act of Congress under the Articles of Confederation, which led to a press war that lasted for nearly 10 years. The state also refused to send a delegation to a convention in 1787 to discuss amendments to the Articles of Confederation, instead choosing to operate outside the new governmental structure.
Rhode Island's opposition to the Constitution was partly due to the issuance of paper money by the governing Country Party, which caused rampant inflation and made the state a symbol of what ailed the Confederation. The state's large Quaker population was also appalled by the allowance of the slave trade within the new Constitution.
It was only when the United States Senate passed a bill banning trade with Rhode Island that the state finally ratified the Constitution, by a narrow margin of 34-32.
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Frequently asked questions
Rhode Island opposed the Constitution chiefly due to its fear of losing control over its monetary policy. The state had a history of opposing a closer union with other former British colonies, earning it the nickname "Rogue Island". Rhode Island was also concerned about the expansion of the national government and direct federal taxes.
Rhode Island's opposition delayed its ratification of the Constitution until 1790, making it the last state to do so. The state legislature repeatedly rejected calls for a convention to consider the Constitution and instead called for a statewide referendum, which was overwhelmingly defeated.
The ratification included a lengthy list of caveats and proposed amendments, including the abolition of the slave trade. Rhode Island's large Quaker population was appalled by the allowance of the slave trade within the new Constitution. The state also took 101 years to call a vote on ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment, which established the direct election of senators.
