The Ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the Original Thirteen States

The ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the original thirteen states was a crucial step in the formation of the United States as we know it today. All thirteen states eventually ratified the constitution, marking the end of the Articles of Confederation and the beginning of a new framework of governance.

Overview of the Process

After the Constitutional Convention concluded in 1787, the process moved to the states for ratification. The states that initially ratified the Constitution did so under the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, which was in effect at the time. However, Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations, the thirteenth state, was the last to do so, much later in 1790.

Initial Ratification

Delegates from 12 of the 13 states seceded from the Articles of Confederation and ratified the new Constitution. Delaware ratified it first on December 7, 1787, while Vermont was the last to do so on January 10, 1791. This rapid ratification was a testament to the urgency and importance the new constitution held for the founding fathers.

Final States to Ratify

While some states, like North Carolina and Rhode Island, delayed, they eventually joined the union. North Carolina ratified the Constitution just before the presidential and congressional elections of 1788, and Rhode Island did so after achieving a functioning government under the new Constitution. The 13th state, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was the last to ratify, on May 29, 1790.

The Rationale Behind Ratification

The ratification process was complex and contentious in some states, particularly in North Carolina and Rhode Island. In North Carolina, the opposition to the Constitution was strong, leading to its ratification only after the new government was established. In Rhode Island, the resistance was so strong that it nearly led to civil war on July 4, 1788, when anti-federalist members of the Country Party marched into Providence with over 1000 armed protesters.

Key Figures and Opposition

Notable anti-federalists such as Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Richard Henry Lee, Robert Yates, James Monroe, Amos Singletary, Mercy Otis Warren, George Clinton, Melancton Smith, Arthur Fenner, James Winthrop, and Luther Martin strongly opposed the Constitution. Despite their efforts, the Constitution was eventually ratified, forming the basis for the United States of America as we know it today.

The Significance of These States

The ratification of the Constitution by the original 13 states was a pivotal moment in U.S. history. It marked the end of the Articles of Confederation and the beginning of the federal system we continue to adhere to today. The process of ratification was not without its challenges and controversies, but the Constitution's ratification laid the foundation for the American way of life as we understand it.

Conclusion

The ratification of the Constitution by all 13 original states was an historic moment that shaped the United States. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone interested in American history and the development of the U.S. government.