What year was the Constitution ratified?

• A. 1776
• B. 1787
• C. 1789
• D. 1791

Answer: (B)

The Constitution was ratified in 1787 after it was drafted during the Constitutional Convention, which began in May of that year in Philadelphia. The process of ratification involved each of the thirteen states voting to approve the new framework of government, with the Constitution officially going into effect once nine states met this requirement. The other options represent significant dates in U.S. history but do not pertain directly to the ratification of the Constitution. For instance, 1776 is the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted, setting the stage for the formation of a new nation. The year 1789 marks the beginning of the new government under the Constitution, as this is when George Washington was inaugurated as the first president. Finally, 1791 is notable for the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which was adopted to address concerns about the protection of individual liberties.