Final answer:
New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1788, a key step that enabled the establishment of the first Congress and assured the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ninth state to ratify the Constitution was New Hampshire on June 21, 1788. Their ratification was significant because it was the final step needed for the Constitution to become the law of the land, leading to the establishment of the first Congress under the new government framework. Following this, other states like New York and Virginia also ratified the Constitution, recognizing the importance of joining the union and aligning with the Federalists, who were advocating for a strong federal government. The compromise that emerged from the ratification debates, particularly the promise of a Bill of Rights, was crucial in securing the support of several states that were hesitant due to the potential for a too-powerful central government. This illustrates the complex dynamics and political maneuvering that were instrumental in the formation of the United States government as it exists today.