The United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, a key milestone before America250.
The signing took place at Independence Hall during the final session of the Constitutional Convention. Thirty-nine delegates signed the document, representing twelve states. Rhode Island did not send delegates to the convention and therefore was not represented among the signers.
The Constitution created a stronger federal framework to replace the Articles of Confederation. It established the structure of the federal government and divided authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The document then went to the states for ratification.
September 17 is Constitution Day in the United States. The date is separate from July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The Declaration announced separation from Britain; the Constitution later organized the government of the independent country.