111th Congress, 2nd Session
Rhode Island’s ratification of the Constitution
May 29, 1790
On this date, Rhode Island became the 13th state to enter the Union after ratifying the Constitution. Ironically, the new state’s late arrival came after the new federal government commenced on April 1, 1789, and the First Congress (1789–1791) had already passed 12 proposed amendments to the Constitution. Rhode Island was the only state not to send a representative to the Constitutional Convention, which approved the document on September 17, 1787. Nine states, or a three-quarters majority, were needed to ratify the Constitution. On June 21, 1788, the Constitution became the official governing document of the United States when New Hampshire ratified it. The “Hope State” made 11 attempts to hold a constitutional ratifying convention and held unsuccessful state referendums. The first referendum rejected the Constitution by ten to one. At great length, Rhode Island finally approved the Constitution with provisional amendments. On August 31, 1790, the state’s lone Representative, Benjamin Bourne, arrived in Philadelphia fashionably late to the First Congress.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=138, (December 15, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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On September 17, 1787, George Washington signed the Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Oil on canvas, Howard Chandler Christy, 1940, Architect of the Capitol
Teaching Tip
Ten Questions
Have students select a highlight date which focuses on a person connected to the House (Speaker, Member, House Officer, Page, etc.). Compile 10 questions to ask this person concerning his/her career in the House. In pairs, have one student play the part of the interviewer, while the other is the interviewee. Conduct research to devise answers that would likely be made by the person being interviewed.
