Today in History: 1787 -- The United States Constitution is Signed

In May, 1787, eleven years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and four years after the end of the American Revolutionary War, a Convention was called to amend the Articles of Confederation, the document that had been the basis for American law and government since America's independence from Britain. After much discussion and debate, by mid-June, the Convention decided that to amend the articles would not be enough. At this time, the goal became to write an entirely new constitution that would establish a new government for the country. The Constitutional Convention was formed. By September 17, the Constitution had been written and signed by the members of the Convention. Although the Convention proposed that only nine out of thirteen states were needed to ratify the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin gave a speech on the day of the signing urging unanimity, saying: "Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own sakes as a part of the people, and for the sake of posterity, we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution."

Indeed, three years later the constitution was ratified by all thirteen states and a new government was established in the United States that still stands today.

Read more about this great document in Democracy For Beginners.