How Pennsylvania Became the Second State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787

When delegates concluded the Constitutional Convention in September 1787, each state faced the monumental decision of whether to adopt the new Constitution. On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state—and the first large state—to ratify the Constitution, providing critical momentum for the creation of a stronger national government. Pennsylvania’s swift ratification was not inevitable.…