The Constitution was ratified through a process in which each state individually voted on whether to accept it. Delaware was the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The main argument made by the Federalists, who supported the Constitution, was that it would bring about an improved system of government.
The debate over ratification was particularly significant in Massachusetts, where prominent patriots Sam Adams and John Hancock initially withheld their support. However, they eventually convinced the state convention to recommend adding a bill of rights to the Constitution. Massachusetts ratified in February 1788. New Hampshire joined ranks as the ninth state in June of that same year, allowing the new government to go into effect.
The ratification process faced significant opposition in New York and Virginia, both large states. Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Governor Edmund Randolph led the opposition in Virginia, with Patrick Henry giving a lengthy seven-hour speech against ratification. However, James Madison presented clear and patient arguments in favor of the Constitution. Eventually, Governor Randolph changed his mind and Virginia voted to ratify in late June.
In New York, the struggle continued for another month, but the state convention eventually voted to ratify in July 1788. North Carolina ratified in November 1789, and finally, Rhode Island, the last state to ratify, did so on May 29, 1790.
The ratification of the Constitution created a new system of government for the United States, which remains in effect today. The news of ratification was celebrated throughout the country, with Philadelphia holding a festive parade and raising the Constitution proudly above a carriage shaped like an eagle.