
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but it would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. Five states ratified it in quick succession, but others, especially Massachusetts, opposed the document as it failed to reserve undelegated powers to the states and lacked constitutional protection of basic political rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date signed | 17 September 1787 |
| Number of states required for ratification | 9 of 13 |
| First five states to ratify | Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut |
| Date of first five states' ratification | 7 December 1787 |
| State that initially opposed | Massachusetts |
| Date of Massachusetts' ratification | February 1788 |
| Ninth state to ratify | New Hampshire |
| Date of New Hampshire's ratification | 21 June 1788 |
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What You'll Learn

The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787
As dictated by Article VII, the Constitution would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. Beginning on December 7, five states—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut—ratified it in quick succession. However, other states, especially Massachusetts, opposed the document. They believed it failed to reserve undelegated powers to the states and lacked constitutional protection of basic political rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
In February 1788, a compromise was reached under which Massachusetts and other states would agree to ratify the document with the assurance that amendments would be immediately proposed. The Constitution was thus narrowly ratified in Massachusetts, followed by Maryland and South Carolina. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, and it was subsequently agreed that the government under the US Constitution would come into force.
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It was ratified by nine of the 13 states
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states.
Five states – Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut – ratified it in quick succession, beginning on December 7. However, other states, especially Massachusetts, opposed the document. They felt it failed to reserve undelegated powers to the states and lacked constitutional protection of basic political rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
In February 1788, a compromise was reached under which Massachusetts and other states would agree to ratify the document with the assurance that amendments would be immediately proposed. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document.
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Five states ratified it in quick succession
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. Beginning on December 7, five states—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut—ratified it in quick succession.
The five states ratified the Constitution in quick succession, beginning on December 7, 1787. This was just a few months after the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. The five states that ratified the Constitution in quick succession were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. These five states were the first to ratify the Constitution, and they did so in a relatively short period of time after it was signed. This was an important step in the process of the Constitution becoming binding, as dictated by Article VII, which stated that the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states.
The quick succession of ratifications by these five states was significant because it showed that there was support for the Constitution among the states. This was important because some states, such as Massachusetts, had opposed the document. Massachusetts and other states had concerns about the Constitution, including the fact that it failed to reserve undelegated powers to the states and lacked constitutional protection of basic political rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. However, a compromise was eventually reached in February 1788, under which Massachusetts and other states agreed to ratify the document with the assurance that amendments would be immediately proposed.
The five states that ratified the Constitution in quick succession played a crucial role in the process of the Constitution becoming binding. Their quick action helped to build momentum and support for the Constitution, and it encouraged other states to follow suit. Eventually, on June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, and it was subsequently agreed that the government under the US Constitution would be formed.
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Massachusetts opposed the document
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states.
Massachusetts was not alone in its opposition to the document. Other states shared similar concerns, but a compromise was eventually reached in February 1788, under which Massachusetts and other states agreed to ratify the document with the assurance that amendments would be immediately proposed.
The Constitution was thus narrowly ratified in Massachusetts, followed by Maryland and South Carolina. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, and it was subsequently agreed that the government under the US Constitution could begin.
The ratification of the US Constitution was a complex and contentious process, with states like Massachusetts playing a pivotal role in shaping the final outcome. The compromise reached in 1788 highlights the importance of addressing the concerns of individual states to ensure the unity and stability of the nation.
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A compromise was reached in February 1788
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. Beginning on December 7, five states—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut—ratified it in quick succession. However, other states, especially Massachusetts, opposed the document, as it failed to reserve undelegated powers to the states and lacked constitutional protection of basic political rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
Nine of the 13 states had to ratify the Constitution for it to become binding.
The first five states to ratify the Constitution were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut.

























