|
|
|
About the U.S. Constitution:
|
|
|
|
George Washington--Painting by
Gilbert Stuart |
|
|
The Constitution of the United States was drafted during
the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which began on May
25th at the State House in Philadelphia. Twelve states
were represented by 55 delegates. Rhode Island was the
only state not to send delegates, because of it's fear
that national regulation would damage its trade. George
Washington was selected to act as president of the
convention and a number of the selected delegates had also
participated in the signing of the declaration of
Independence.
Article seven of the Constitution required
that two-thirds of the states ratify it, in order for it
to become effective. The necessary two-thirds majority was
completed when New Hampshire became the ninth state to
ratify it. Although the Constitution was ratified by large
majorities in most states, some had actually done so by
very a very slim margin. Rhode Island had only ratified
the Constitution after being threatened by congress, that
if it didn't, it would be regarded as a foreign
nation and that duties would be imposed on its exports to
the other states. |
|
|
Preamble |
|
We the People of the
United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United
States of America.
Article 1 |
|
|
