When the United States Constitution was drafted in 1787, each of the thirteen original states had to decide whether to accept the newly proposed framework for the national government. Most states ratified within months, eager to see a stronger and more effective federal system. However, Rhode Island stood out as the lone holdout, resisting the tide of ratification for years. This resistance stemmed from deep political, economic, and philosophical concerns that made Rhode Island reluctant to relinquish power to a centralized authority. Understanding the unique case of Rhode Island’s delayed ratification offers valuable insight into early American politics, federalism, and state sovereignty.
Background of the U.S. Constitution
topics of Confederation and the Push for Reform
Before the Constitution, the United States operated under the topics of Confederation, a system that granted significant power to individual states and maintained a weak central government. While this arrangement preserved the autonomy of the states, it quickly proved inadequate in handling national issues such as trade, defense, and taxation.
The Constitutional Convention was convened in 1787 in Philadelphia to address these problems. Delegates from twelve states (excluding Rhode Island) met to revise the topics but ultimately decided to draft an entirely new Constitution. Rhode Island’s absence from this convention was the first signal of its opposition to a stronger federal government.
Why Rhode Island Refused to Ratify
Fear of Federal Power
Rhode Island was wary of any centralized authority that might diminish the independence of individual states. Its leaders feared that the Constitution would concentrate too much power in the hands of a distant federal government and reduce the influence of smaller states like itself.
Economic Self-Interest
Rhode Island had a strong local economy based on issuing its own paper currency, and many in the state feared that a national currency and federal control over commerce would undermine their financial systems. Merchants and debtors in Rhode Island supported the status quo, which allowed for flexible and localized economic policy.
Democratic Sentiment
Populist sentiment was strong in Rhode Island. Many citizens believed that the Constitution was created by an elite group without proper democratic representation. There was widespread suspicion that the new government would favor wealthy interests over ordinary people.
Rhode Island’s Political Isolation
Refusal to Participate in the Convention
Rhode Island was the only one of the original thirteen states that refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Its government believed that the purpose of the convention was to revise, not replace, the topics of Confederation. By not participating, Rhode Island effectively opted out of the foundational discussions of the new government.
Rejection of Ratification Votes
Between 1787 and 1790, Rhode Island repeatedly rejected calls to ratify the Constitution. In one instance, a statewide referendum overwhelmingly rejected it. The state legislature even ignored several requests from Congress to join the new union under the Constitution.
Pressure from Other States
Economic Sanctions and Political Threats
By 1789, the other twelve states had ratified the Constitution and formed a new federal government. Rhode Island’s continued refusal to join led to growing frustration. Congress began to discuss imposing trade sanctions on the state. There were even rumors that Rhode Island could be treated as a foreign nation or forcibly compelled to join.
Increased Isolation
Without ratification, Rhode Island found itself increasingly isolated. It was unable to participate in federal decisions, had no representation in Congress, and was left out of key national debates. This isolation weakened the state’s political influence and began to impact its economy and credibility.
Final Ratification in 1790
The Turning Point
By 1790, the pressure on Rhode Island became too great to ignore. The threat of being excluded from economic and political cooperation with the other states, combined with internal divisions and federal coercion, finally convinced the state to reconsider.
Ratification on May 29, 1790
On May 29, 1790, Rhode Island became the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The vote in the state convention was extremely close 34 in favor, 32 against highlighting the deep divisions within the state. Though reluctant, Rhode Island had officially joined the United States under the Constitution.
Consequences and Legacy
Late Entry into the Union
Because Rhode Island joined the union after the federal government had already begun functioning, it faced a delayed integration into the new national political system. Its representatives were late to the First Congress, and it took time to establish its role under the new structure.
Symbol of State Rights
Rhode Island’s resistance became an early symbol of the importance of state rights and the fear of federal overreach. Though eventually part of the union, the state’s stance reminded Americans that unity often required compromise and acknowledgment of diverse perspectives among states.
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island was the only state to boycott the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
- The state’s opposition was based on fears of federal power, economic self-interest, and democratic ideals.
- After three years of resisting, Rhode Island finally ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790.
- The decision was influenced by increasing political and economic isolation from the rest of the union.
- Rhode Island’s ratification solidified the unity of the thirteen original states under the new federal government.
Rhode Island’s delayed ratification of the U.S. Constitution is a fascinating chapter in American history that illustrates the complexities of forming a unified nation. While most states embraced the Constitution quickly, Rhode Island’s resistance highlights the enduring tensions between local autonomy and centralized power. Ultimately, the state’s ratification ensured that all thirteen original colonies would move forward together under a shared legal framework, but it also set the stage for ongoing debates about states’ rights and federal authority that would continue to shape American politics for centuries to come.