Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2025
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by The Association of Mature American Citizens
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On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 of the delegates at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia—an event that laid the legal and political foundation for the United States as it exists today.
Prior to 1787, the country was governed by the Articles of Confederation. While Congress under the Articles technically held power over war, foreign affairs, and currency, in practice, it lacked enforcement authority. It couldn’t compel states to comply with its requests for troops or funds.
By the mid‑1780s, it was increasingly clear that this loose confederation was not working and that the United States faced serious threats—to its unity, financial stability, and national identity. In 1786, five states met in Annapolis to discuss these problems; soon, all states were invited to send delegates to a broader Constitutional Convention.
When the delegates gathered in Philadelphia on May 25 (all except Rhode Island attended), they decided quickly to abandon any attempt to merely amend the Articles. Instead, they resolved to draft an entirely new framework of government. George Washington of Virginia was elected president of the Convention.
One of the most contentious issues was representation in the legislature: large states advocated for proportional representation, while smaller states wanted equal representation. The resulting compromise—the Connecticut Compromise—answered this: a bicameral Congress, with proportional representation in the House and equal representation (two senators) in the Senate.
Another major concern was the protection of individual rights and the balance of power between the national government and the states. The final draft did not include a Bill of Rights, which led to fierce opposition in several states. Compromises were made: those states would ratify with the understanding that amendments guaranteeing rights would follow.
The Constitution required ratification by nine of the thirteen states to become effective. Once signed, states rapidly began the ratification process. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut led the way, followed by Massachusetts (after promising to support amendments), Maryland, and South Carolina. When New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, the Constitution could officially go into effect.
Virginia ratified next, followed by New York. The new government under the Constitution officially commenced on March 4, 1789.
Soon thereafter, in September 1789, Congress proposed twelve amendments. By 1791, ten of those had been ratified—the Bill of Rights—ensuring the protections like free speech, freedom of religion, trial by jury, and other civil liberties.
Today, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use. Its enduring nature rests not only in its foundational structure—separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism—but also in its ability to evolve through amendment and interpretation. The debates that surrounded its drafting—about rights, representation, power—still echo in modern political and legal discourse.
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