December 12 in American History

December 12, 1787 — Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the new Constitution, and the first large state to do so, giving the document crucial momentum. State by state through 1787 and 1788, the framework argued out in Philadelphia was being turned into the actual law of a nation.

Common Questions

What happened on December 12 in American history?

In 1787: Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution. Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the new Constitution, and the first large state to do so, giving the document crucial momentum.

Why is December 12 significant?

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the new Constitution, and the first large state to do so, giving the document crucial momentum. State by state through 1787 and 1788, the framework argued out in Philadelphia was being turned into the actual law of a nation.

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