Which state was the 9th to approve the Constitution, therefore allowing it to become officially ratified?

Asked by: Prof. Effie Wisoky DVM  |  Last update: March 24, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (1 votes)

New Hampshire was the 9th state to approve the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788, making it officially ratified and establishing it as the law of the land, according to Article VII. This critical vote by New Hampshire met the requirement of nine states for the Constitution to take effect, transforming it from a proposal into the framework for the new federal government.

What was the 9th state to ratify the Constitution?

On June 21, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the new Constitution, making its adoption official.

What state ratified the Constitution on January 9, 1788?

Early statehood

Connecticut ratified the U.S. Constitution on January 9, 1788, becoming the fifth state.

Why did 9/13 states ratify the Constitution?

The founders set the terms for ratifying the Constitution. They bypassed the state legislatures, reasoning that their members would be reluctant to give up power to a national government. Instead, they called for special ratifying conventions in each state. Ratification by 9 of the 13 states enacted the new government.

What article says 9 states must ratify the Constitution?

The text of Article VII declares that the Constitution shall become the official law of the ratifying states when nine states ratified the document. When New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788, the Constitution became good law.

When Was The Constitution Officially Ratified? - Stories of the States

25 related questions found

What does article 9 of the Constitution state?

Section 9 Powers Denied Congress

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken. No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

What does section 9 of the Constitution state?

9. (1) Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. (2) Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.

Is it true that 9 of the 13 states were needed to ratify the Constitution?

After signing the Constitution on September 17, 1787, they sent it to the states for ratification. Nine of 13 states were required to ratify the Constitution before it would be accepted as the nation's founding document.

Did the founding fathers put God in the Constitution?

No, the Founding Fathers did not put God in the U.S. Constitution; the document is notably silent on God and religion, a deliberate choice reflecting a consensus on separating church and state, though the Declaration of Independence did mention a Creator and the Articles of Confederation used "Great Governor of the World," while the Constitution includes a "Year of our Lord" in its date and bars religious tests for office in Article VI and the First Amendment protects religious freedom.
 

What was the U.S. called before 1776?

Before 1776, the lands that became the United States were known as British America, consisting of the Thirteen Colonies, and were often collectively called the United Colonies, a name used by the Continental Congress before officially adopting the "United States of America" in September 1776. Native American cultures had their own names, like "Turtle Island," for the continent, while Europeans explored various territories, but "America" as a single entity was a European concept. 

Which state was the last state to ratify the Articles of Confederation on March 1st, 1781?

Marylanders were given further incentive to ratify when Virginia agreed to relinquish its western land claims, and so the Maryland legislature ratified the Articles of Confederation on March 1, 1781.

How many states had to ratify the 13th amendment?

After more than two months of intense pressure, the House voted in favor of the amendment on January 31, 1865. The proposed amendment required ratification by 27 of 36 states before it became binding. Illinois was first to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment on February 1 followed by 17 more states by the end of the month.

Which states had yet to ratify the Constitution?

Two states, North Carolina and Rhode Island, did not ratify the U.S. Constitution initially; North Carolina ratified in November 1789, and Rhode Island was the last, ratifying in May 1790, after the new government was already operating, due to strong Anti-Federalist sentiment and concerns over state power. 

What does "ratified" mean?

To ratify means to approve or enact a legally binding act that would not otherwise be binding in the absence of such approval. In the constitutional context, nations may ratify an amendment to an existing or adoption of a new constitution.

Which state was the first state?

The first state was Delaware, which ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, making it the first of the original thirteen colonies to join the Union and earning its nickname, "The First State". Pennsylvania followed as the second state, ratifying just five days later on December 12, 1787.
 

Is Jesus mentioned in the US Constitution?

The Constitution does not mention God, Jesus Christ, or Christianity. It contains the word “religion” only twice, in Article 6, which exempts government office holders from a religious test; and in the First Amendment.

What did Stephen Hawking say about God?

Stephen Hawking stated that science offers better explanations for the universe's origins than religion, concluding there is no God or divine creator, and that the universe arose spontaneously from nothing according to physical laws, not divine will, seeing no need for a higher power to set things in motion. While initially suggesting God might have set the laws, he later clarified he was an atheist, believing the simplest explanation is no God and that humans invented God to explain the unexplainable, which science now addresses.
 

Do deists believe in Jesus?

Yes, deists generally acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure and moral teacher, but they reject his divinity, miracles, and role as Savior, viewing him as a wise man whose ethical teachings align with natural law rather than supernatural revelation. While historical deists like the American Founders admired Jesus's morality, they denied doctrines like the Trinity and the Bible's divine inspiration, seeing God as a "clockmaker" who set the universe in motion without interference.
 

Which state was the 9th state of the 13 to ratify the Constitution?

On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, and it was subsequently agreed that government under the U.S. Constitution would begin on March 4, 1789.

What is the 1st Amendment word for word?

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

What happens if someone violates the Constitution?

This will typically be in the form of a lawsuit against the party that violated your constitutional rights. Generally, that would include the police officer who arrested you, though there are other players in your situation who could be liable.

What is the 9th part of the Constitution?

Part IX of the Constitution was inserted by the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992. It contains provisions for local self government at the rural level. The original Part IX was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.

What is chapter 9 about?

The purpose of chapter 9 is to provide a financially-distressed municipality protection from its creditors while it develops and negotiates a plan for adjusting its debts.

What is Article 9 of the Constitution of 1973?

9. Security of person. No person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law.