Final answer:
The Constitution of the United States required ratification by at least nine states before it could become law. This was achieved when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document in 1788. Eventually, all thirteen states ratified the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Before the U.S. Constitution could become law and establish the government, it needed to be ratified by a certain number of states. According to Article VII of the Constitution, at least nine states had to agree to ratify the document before it could become effective and be put into operation. The ratification process began after the Constitution was drafted on September 16, 1787. The groundbreaking approval came when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution in 1788. Despite this, the support of larger states was crucial, which led to significant debates, disagreements, and the development of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The promise of a future bill of rights was decisive in winning over key states, and eventually all thirteen states ratified the Constitution, solidifying the foundation of the United States government.