Nine states had to ratify the U.S. Constitution before it could take effect, a constitutional milestone linked to America250.
Article Seven set the threshold at nine ratifying states. This was a significant compromise because the Articles of Confederation had required approval from all thirteen states for major changes. The new Constitution therefore established a path to operation without requiring unanimous consent.
New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788. That vote placed the Constitution into effect, although the new federal government did not begin operating until 1789. Virginia and New York ratified soon afterward, strengthening the new union politically and geographically.
Rhode Island and North Carolina initially remained outside the new constitutional system. North Carolina ratified in November 1789, while Rhode Island followed in May 1790. The nine-state rule is distinct from the later amendment process, which requires approval by three-fourths of the states.