Rhode Island was the last of the original U.S. states to ratify the Constitution.
Rhode Island approved the Constitution on May 29, 1790, by a convention vote of 34 to 32. It was the thirteenth original state to ratify, more than two years after New Hampshire became the ninth state and the Constitution took effect. Rhode Island’s late decision made it the final state in the original Union to join the constitutional system.
The state had opposed the Constitutional Convention and was the only state that did not send delegates to Philadelphia in 1787. Many Rhode Islanders feared a stronger central government and favored preserving state authority. The state continued operating outside the new federal structure after the Constitution took effect.
Economic pressure helped change the debate. In May 1790, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would have restricted trade with Rhode Island, although the House had not yet enacted it. Rhode Island ratified before that proposed embargo could become law, while also submitting a list of requested amendments.