The Story of the U.S. Constitution

“Fellow believer, make a covenant with your heart that you will never depart from Him, and ask the Lord to ratify it.” – C.H. Spurgeon

The Constitution of the United States was drafted at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. Intended to replace the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, which had served as America’s first – and very ineffective – governing document, the Constitution was approved and signed by 39 delegates and then submitted to the Congress of Confederation in New York City, the nation’s temporary capital.

Although the Congress of Confederation had the power to reject it, they voted unanimously on September 28th to forward the proposal to the 13 states for their ratification. Under the previous Articles of Confederation, unanimous approval of all 13 states was required. However, under the newly proposed Constitution, only 9 of 13 – a 2/3 majority – was required for ratification.

Two warring factions soon emerged: the Federalists, who supported the Constitution; and the Anti-Federalists, who opposed it. One of the factors that served to sway the populace was the publication of The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Before the year was out, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, followed closely by Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Connecticut and Georgia signed on in early 1788, but then the ratification process hit a wall with key leaders in Virginia, New York and Massachusetts expressing concerns over the lack of protections for individual rights. It wasn’t until a promise was made to amend the Constitution later to include these personal liberties that the anti-Federalists relented.

When New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1787, it was formally adopted. Three months later – on what we now call Constitution Day – the Congress of Confederation certified the ratification and the Constitution became the law of the land. The last of the original 13th states to ratify it was Rhode Island, which waited until May 29, 1790, to do so.

The Bill of Rights, including the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, was ratified on December 15, 1791. Since then, an additional 17 amendments have been ratified by the required 3/4 of the existing states (after a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress).

My friend, it took an elaborate and very prolonged process to draft, pass, ratify, and certify the Constitution of the United States. However, it only takes a simple but sincere covenant between you and your heart that you will follow Jesus all the days of your life, never to depart from Him and His ways. I urge you to make that covenant today… and ask Him to ratify it, too.

Perhaps the hymnwriter said it best…

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back; no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back; no turning back.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:62 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President