Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the Constitution (30–0). December 11 • Ratifying convention begins in New Jersey. December 12 • Ratification. Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the Constitution (46–23). December 18 • Ratification. New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the Constitution (38–0). read more
The first state to ratify was Delaware, on December 7, 1787, by a unanimous vote, 30 - 0. The featured document is an endorsed ratification of the federal Constitution by the Delaware convention. The names of the state deputies are listed, probably in the hand of a clerk. read more