Sign the Constitution and then What?

After four long months of debate, the Constitutional Convention finally agreed on wording for the United States Constitution. It was on September 17, ,1787, that 39 delegates at the convention signed the Constitution.

The delegates were then able to carry the Constitution back to the individual states so the process of ratification could begin. While Benjamin Franklin urged all states to ratify, the convention did agree that only 9 of the 13 states had to do so.

It took the 13 states two and one half years to agree to the new Constitution. Many states refused to agree to the Constitution until certain amendments detailing the rights of individuals were added. These amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.

The new government for the United States was put into practice on March 4, 1789. At that time, only 11 states had ratified the Constitution. The 13th state did not ratify the Constitution until May 1790.

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Debate Over Issues is as American as Apple Pie

"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution." -- Thomas Jefferson

Soon, Americans will celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the framing of the United States Constitution. Not only is this Constitution the oldest surviving one, it is also the shortest and was written in less than 100 days.

The framers of the Constitution spent many long hours debating and disagreeing with one another as they worked together for the good of the people. They listened and spoke their opinions without fear of reprisal from the government.

Freedom of speech was so important to the framers that they only agreed to sign the Constitution if a bill of basic rights was attached. On September 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights which includes the First Amendment was submitted to the states for ratification.

The First Amendment reads

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Do you know the Constitution? Have you read it lately? Why not take time to study the Constitution as America gears up for its 222nd birthday?


This Constitution Moment was brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter DAR chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

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Valdosta State Holds Constitutional Debate September 19

The political science and history departments at Valdosta State University will host a constitutional debate at 3:30 p.m. in West Hall room 150.

In celebration of Constitution Day, student panels will debate constitutional issues, including the death penalty for juveniles and gun control.

The free event is open to all members of VSU and local communities.

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