Fact Check: "The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788."
What We Know
The U.S. Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia from May to September 1787. It was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, but required ratification by nine of the thirteen states to become effective. The ratification process began with Delaware, the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1788, which marked the official adoption of the document, thus establishing it as the framework of the U.S. government (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788 is supported by multiple credible sources. The ratification process was a significant event in American history, culminating in New Hampshire's vote, which fulfilled the requirement for the Constitution to take effect. This information is corroborated by historical records and educational resources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Senate, which confirm that the Constitution was indeed ratified on June 21, 1788 (source-1, source-3).
The timeline of ratification is also detailed in various historical accounts, emphasizing that the Constitution did not come into operation until the necessary states had ratified it. The last state to ratify was Rhode Island on May 29, 1790, but the critical milestone of nine states was reached with New Hampshire's ratification in 1788 (source-2, source-4).
The sources used are reliable and well-regarded in the field of American history, providing factual and detailed accounts of the ratification process. They are published by reputable institutions such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Archives, which lend credibility to the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788 is accurate. The ratification by New Hampshire on June 21, 1788, was a pivotal moment that established the Constitution as the governing document of the United States. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible historical sources that document the events leading to the Constitution's adoption.
Sources
- June 2023: 1788 Ratification of the U.S. Constitution - Census.gov
- States and Dates of Ratification - Bensguide.gpo.gov
- Constitution of the United States—A History - Senate.gov
- Constitution of the United States - Archives.gov
- Constitution Day 2024: Virtual Exhibit: Ratification of the ... - Libguides.libraries.wsu.edu
- Constitution of the United States - Wikipedia
- The day the Constitution was ratified - Constitutioncenter.org