Ratifying the original Constitution
Specifies how the proposed Constitution would initially take effect among the states that accepted it.
In Simple, Modern English
Once conventions in nine states approve the Constitution, it can establish the new government among those ratifying states.
Important Clauses & Details
Nine-state threshold
The original Constitution required approval by nine of the thirteen states, not unanimous approval.
State conventions
Special conventions ratified the proposed framework. This differs from Article V, where Congress chooses between legislatures and conventions for amendment ratification.
Where to look: Article 7
Article 7: Ratification by conventions in nine states was enough to establish the Constitution among the ratifying states. This is distinct from Article V amendment ratification.
Historical Context
The Constitution was a proposed replacement for the Articles of Confederation. State ratifying conventions debated it rather than leaving approval to the existing state legislatures. New Hampshire became the ninth ratifying state in 1788; the new government began operating in 1789.
Article VII describes original adoption. Today's amendments use Article V's three-fourths threshold, not nine states.
Plain-English study paraphrases summarize the text; they are not verbatim translations. Historical provisions and later changes are identified above. Sources: National Archives and Constitution Annotated.