Malcolm Rivera
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Delaware beat Pennsylvania by five days in ratification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First state to ratify the Constitution | Delaware |
| Date of ratification | 7 December 1787 |
| States that followed | Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut |
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What You'll Learn
- Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on 7 December 1787
- Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution before New Jersey
- New Jersey and Georgia were the only other states to vote unanimously
- Delaware ratified the Constitution five days before Pennsylvania
- The Delaware Ratifying Convention reports have been lost
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on 7 December 1787
Delaware was keen to have a stronger national government than the Articles provided, and as part of the approvals, Delaware also recommended the cession of land for the new Federal Capital to be located within its boundaries.
Following Delaware's ratification, Dickinson wrote nine letters as Fabius, answering various Antifederalist arguments and reinvigorating ratification progress in other states.
On 9 January 1788, five states of the nine necessary for ratification had approved the Constitution: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. However, the eventual outcome remained uncertain in pivotal states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.
On 21 June 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, making federal democracy the law of the land.
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Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution before New Jersey
Delaware beat Pennsylvania by five days in ratification. Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the Constitution, and New Jersey was the third. New Jersey and Georgia were the only other states to vote unanimously to ratify the Constitution.
The Constitution was sent to the states for ratification, and, by the terms of the document, it would become binding once nine of the former 13 colonies had ratified it. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, making federal democracy the law of the land.
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New Jersey and Georgia were the only other states to vote unanimously
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. New Jersey and Georgia were the only other states to vote unanimously.
The Constitution was sent to the states for ratification, and, by the terms of the document, it would become binding once nine of the former 13 colonies had ratified it. Delaware led the process, and on June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, making federal democracy the law of the land.
Some states voiced opposition to the Constitution on the grounds that it did not provide protection for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. However, the terms of the Massachusetts Compromise reached in February 1788 stipulated that amendments to that effect—what became the Bill of Rights—would be immediately proposed.
Citizens of Delaware desired a stronger national government than the Articles provided. As part of the approvals, Delaware also recommended the cession of land for the new Federal Capital to be located within its boundaries. That last offer, of course, did not happen.
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Delaware ratified the Constitution five days before Pennsylvania
Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, five days before Pennsylvania. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. By January 9, 1788, five states of the nine necessary for ratification had approved the Constitution.
Delaware's ratification of the Constitution was a significant moment in the history of the United States. The state's citizens desired a stronger national government than the Articles provided, and they played a crucial role in leading the ratification process. All 30 delegates to the Delaware Constitutional Convention unanimously ratified the Constitution, demonstrating their commitment to a unified and powerful national government.
The Delaware Ratifying Convention reports have been lost, but accounts suggest that there was not much debate during the ratification process. However, Delaware did recommend the cession of land for the new Federal Capital to be located within its boundaries, an offer that was not accepted.
The ratification of the Constitution by Delaware and the subsequent approval by other states marked a pivotal moment in the formation of the United States. It established the framework for federal democracy and set the stage for the first federal elections and the official implementation of the Constitution.
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The Delaware Ratifying Convention reports have been lost
Delaware was followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. By January 9, 1788, these five states had approved the Constitution, but the eventual outcome remained uncertain in pivotal states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.
The citizens of Delaware desired a stronger national government than the Articles provided. As part of the approvals, Delaware also recommended the cession of land for the new Federal Capital to be located within its boundaries. This offer was not accepted.
The Delaware General Assembly met and approved the calling of a state constitutional convention in August 1776, naming Read President. On September 20, 1776, the convention approved the new constitution and it became effective. Delaware became the first state to have a convention write a constitution after the Declaration of Independence.
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Frequently asked questions
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, on December 7, 1787.
Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the Constitution, five days after Delaware.
New Jersey and Georgia were the third and fourth states to ratify the Constitution.
