Timeline
⏰ Historical Timeline
Follow the key events from the Constitutional Convention to the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
1787
Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia
September 17, 1787
Constitution signed
December 7, 1787
Delaware first to ratify
June 21, 1788
New Hampshire became 9th state, Constitution became law
1791
Bill of Rights added
👥 Key Figures
J
James Madison
"Father of the Constitution," authored the Virginia Plan
G
George Washington
Presided as president of the convention
G
Gouverneur Morris
Wrote the final draft
E
Edmund Randolph
Proposed the Virginia Plan
W
William Paterson
Proposed the New Jersey Plan
R
Roger Sherman
Proposed the Great Compromise
D
Daniel Shays
Led rebellion in Massachusetts
B
Benjamin Franklin
Said "A Republic, if you can keep it"
📋 Timeline Summary
Before the Constitution
- • Articles of Confederation created weak government
- • Shays' Rebellion showed need for change
- • States couldn't work together effectively
Creating the Constitution
- • 55 delegates met in Philadelphia
- • Great Compromise solved big vs small state issue
- • Bill of Rights promised to get approval