Question

Rhode Island was the only state that refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention and was the last state to ratify the Constitution (May 29, 1790).

A) U.S. Constitution
B) U.S. Declaration of Independence
C) Bill of Rights
D) Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

D) Articles of Confederation

Step-by-step explanation:

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, created in 1777 and ratified in 1781. It established a loose confederation of states with a weak central government, giving most of the power to the individual states. Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the Articles of Confederation on February 9, 1778, and it was also the only state that refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Constitutional Convention was held to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a new constitution that would better serve the needs of the growing nation. The U.S. Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation, was ratified in 1788 and went into effect in 1789. Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 29, 1790, after being threatened with the loss of its rights as a state.

Answer 2

Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the U.S. Constitution due to fears of a strong central government, similar to how Anti-Federalists felt. The Federalist Papers and the promise of a Bill of Rights were crucial in persuading states to ratify, leading to Rhode Island's eventual agreement and unanimous ratification among the original states.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ratification of the U.S. Constitution:

The Rhode Island was the only state that did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention and was also the last to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 29, 1790. The state had concerns about the new form of national government proposed by the Constitution, which led to its initial refusal to participate. This delay in ratification was largely due to fears similar to those of the Anti-Federalists, who were wary of a strong central government and the potential for it to overreach its power, reminiscent of British tyranny.

During this period, influential documents like The Federalist Papers were written to promote the Federalist position and argue in favor of the Constitution. These writings, along with negotiations and the promise of adding a Bill of Rights, played a crucial role in convincing skeptics and securing eventual ratification by all states.