To Form a More Perfect Union - Page 3
© Irene Taylor
Who were those Founding Fathers? The thirteen original colonies, now 13 individual states, each sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention - that is all except Rhode Island! In all, 55 delegates attended the convention, but only 39 actually signed the document.
Have your students learn more about these great men. Let them research and report on the biographies of some of these Founding Fathers.
During the hot Philadelphia summer of 1787, the Founders worked hard to create a government that has passed the test of time. On September 17, 1787, the new Constitution was ready to be signed and sent on to the states for ratification. By 1790 all thirteen states had ratified it, and the new nation was finally born. Soon after, a Bill of Rights was added. These first amendments are 10 of only 27 which have been added during the 214 year history of our country, evidence of the wisdom and forethought of the Founding Fathers.
The Order of Ratification
1 Delaware December 7, 1787
2 Pennsylvania December 12, 1787
3 New Jersey December 18, 1787
4 Georgia January 2, 1788
5 Connecticut January 9, 1788
6 Massachusetts February 6, 1788
7 Maryland April 28, 1788
8 South Carolina May 23, 1788
9 New Hampshire June 21, 1788
(With this state's signing, the Constitution became legal)
10 Virginia June 25, 1788
11 New York July 26, 1788
12 North Carolina November 21, 1789
13 Rhode Island May 29, 1790
Other links:
Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids
Biographies of the Founding Fathers
Copyright 2001 Irene Taylor All rights reserved.
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