Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
Delaware's convention voted unanimously for ratification on December 7, 1787. Because it was the first state to approve the document, Delaware is widely known by the nickname “The First State.” Its ratification came only six days after Pennsylvania became the second state to approve the Constitution.
The Constitution required approval by conventions in nine states before it could take effect. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it on June 21, 1788. The remaining states later joined the constitutional union, although North Carolina and Rhode Island delayed their approvals until after the new government had begun operating.
Delaware's unanimous vote reflected the state's small size and the influence of supporters of a stronger national government. The ratification was separate from signing the Constitution in Philadelphia, which occurred earlier, on September 17, 1787.