Category: American History
The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787. Delegates from 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island didn't attend) met at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to create a new framework for government.
The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had proven too weak to govern the new nation effectively. James Madison is called the 'Father of the Constitution' for his central role in drafting it.
The Constitution was ratified (approved) in 1788 and went into effect in 1789. It remains the supreme law of the land today — the oldest written national constitution still in use.
Say: 'The Constitution.'
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