The American Constitution was written during the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 25 to September 17, 1787. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 of the 55 delegates present at the convention.
Additional Context
- The Constitution was drafted in secret and was created to replace the weaker Articles of Confederation.
- The process included intense debates and compromises on representation and slavery.
- Following the signing, the Constitution was sent to the states for ratification and officially went into effect after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it on June 21, 1788.
- The new government under the Constitution began operation on March 4, 1789.
Thus, the key date when the American Constitution was written and signed is September 17, 1787.
