Which state was the last to ratify?
Asked by: Loren Hayes V | Last update: March 18, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (41 votes)
The last state to ratify the U.S. Constitution was Rhode Island, doing so on May 29, 1790, after the new federal government had already been in operation for over a year, making it the final of the original 13 states to join the Union. Its delay stemmed from concerns about federal power, financial issues related to its paper currency, and a tradition of strong state sovereignty.
Who was the last state to ratify the Constitution?
It was not until May 29, 1790, that the last state, Rhode Island, finally ratified the Constitution.
Why was Rhode Island the last state to ratify?
There were several reasons for Rhode Island's resistance including its concern that the Constitution gave too much power to the central government at the expense of the states. The Constitution would also have made the state's practice of printing paper money illegal.
In what order did the 13 states ratify the Constitution?
Order of States' Admission
- Delaware. Dec. 7, 1787.
- Pennsylvania. Dec 12, 1787.
- New Jersey. Dec. 18, 1787.
- Georgia. Jan. 2, 1788.
- Connecticut. Jan. 9, 1788.
- Massachusetts. Feb.6, 1788.
- Maryland. Apr. 28, 1788.
- South Carolina. May 23, 1788.
Which state refused to ratify the Constitution?
Two states, North Carolina and Rhode Island, refused to ratify the new plan of government. Those who opposed the adoption of the Constitution were known as the Antifederalists. Many feared centralized power. Many doubted the ability of Americans to sustain a continental republic.
Which State Was The Last To Ratify The Constitution? - Stories of the States
When did the U.S. go from 48 to 50 states?
The U.S. went from 48 to 50 states in 1959, with Alaska becoming the 49th state on January 3, 1959, and Hawaii becoming the 50th state on August 21, 1959, making them the last two states admitted to the Union. Before 1959, the contiguous 48 states were completed with the admission of New Mexico (47th) in 1912 and Arizona (48th) in 1912.
What two amendments were never ratified?
We also know that the First and Second Amendments of the original 12 amendments were not officially ratified.
What is the friendliest U.S. state?
While rankings vary by study, Minnesota frequently appears as the friendliest U.S. state, known for "Minnesota nice," with Tennessee, South Carolina, and Texas also consistently ranking high in friendliness surveys, often citing Southern hospitality. Hawaii and Wyoming are also praised for their welcoming communities and residents.
How long did it take for all 13 states to ratify it?
Between December 7, 1787, and June 21, 1788, the required 9 of 13 states ratified the Constitution making it the official framework for the government of the United States of America. All 13 states eventually ratified the U.S. Constitution by May 29, 1790.
What is the only U.S. state that borders one other state?
The only U.S. state that borders just one other U.S. state is Maine, which shares its entire land border with New Hampshire to the west, while also bordering Canada and the Atlantic Ocean, according to sources like Geography Realm and Wikipedia and WorldAtlas.
What was the first state in America?
The first state in the United States 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 it the nickname "The First State".
Why is Rhode Island called Rogue Island?
In 1781, Rhode Island began acquiring nicknames. By 1781 Rhode Island was referred to in newspapers as “Rogue Island”. Rogue Island was still used to refer to Rhode Island at the Constitutional Convention in 1781 when it refused to send delegates.
What state did not attend the Constitutional Convention?
But Rhode Island refused to send a delegation, and the convention instead set about drafting a new Constitution. Rhode Island was the only state that did not participate in its proceedings.
Where is the original Constitution kept?
The National Archives in Washington, DC.
What happened on June 21, 1788?
On June 21, 1788, the United States Constitution officially became the law of the land when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it, meeting the requirement for the new federal government to be established, replacing the Articles of Confederation. This crucial ratification by New Hampshire triggered celebrations as it marked the birth of a unified nation under the new, stronger federal system.
Who wrote the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison, the principal author of the Constitution, knew that grave doubts would be cast on the Constitution if those states (the home states of several of its chief architects, including Madison himself) did not adopt it.
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 states did not 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.
Why did it take 200 years to ratify the 27th Amendment?
The first 10 , known as the Bill of Rights, were fully ratified in 1791. The congressional pay provision, however, was only ratified at the time by six states. Because there was no time limit on ratification, what eventually became the 27th Amendment lay dormant for nearly two centuries.
What is the least friendly state in the US?
According to World Population Review's Friendliest States 2024, New York is the least friendly state in all of America.
What is the most loved state in America?
Hawaii is consistently ranked as the most liked U.S. state, leading in favorability surveys for its beauty, pleasant climate, and perceived happiness, followed by states like Alaska, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Colorado, while some polls show Minnesota or Michigan residents have the most state pride, according to data from 2025 YouGov polls. Different surveys measure "liked" differently, with some focusing on general favorability and others on resident pride, but Hawaii appears at the top for general appeal across the nation.
What is the freest state in the USA?
For the 24th time, New Hampshire is the freest state among all U.S. states, having scored 8.34 out of 10 in this year's report, which measures government spending, taxation, regulations and labor market restrictions using data from 2023, the most recent year of available comparable data.
What is the most controversial constitutional amendment?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 is one of the most significant and controversial amendments to the Constitution of India, often referred to as the “Mini Constitution” due to the extensive and wide-ranging changes it introduced.
What would a 28th amendment be?
The most prominent contender for the 28th Amendment is the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), aiming to guarantee legal equality regardless of sex, with supporters believing it's already ratified due to meeting state count requirements, while others debate its official publication; other proposed 28th Amendments include gun control, electoral reform, living wage, and environmental protections, reflecting ongoing debates about foundational rights.
What do the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th amendments do?
The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches; the 5th guarantees due process, no self-incrimination (pleading the fifth), and prevents double jeopardy; the 6th ensures rights in criminal trials like counsel and speedy trial; the 8th forbids excessive bail/fines and cruel/unusual punishment; and the 14th, via the Due Process Clause, applies these federal protections (including 4, 5, 6, 8) to the states, ensuring equal protection and citizenship rights.