Rhode Island was the only state that did not send delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
The convention met in Philadelphia to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Although it was initially called to consider amendments, the delegates ultimately drafted an entirely new Constitution. Twelve of the thirteen states sent representatives, but Rhode Island refused to participate.
Rhode Island’s absence reflected strong opposition to a more powerful central government. Its leaders and voters were concerned about federal taxation, the proposed structure of Congress, and restrictions on state authority. The state also had a political culture that was skeptical of concentrated power.
Rhode Island later became the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution. Its ratification occurred on May 29, 1790, nearly three years after the convention. The state’s delay did not prevent the Constitution from taking effect, because the document required ratification by nine states. Rhode Island’s absence from the convention and late ratification are separate milestones in its constitutional history.