Timeline of Important Dates
| 1777 | Congress plans the Articles of Confederation. |
| September 17, 1787 | The Constitution is approved by all 12 delegations |
| December 7, 1787 | Delaware is the first state to ratify the Constitution. |
| December 12, 1787 | Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution. |
| December 18, 1787 | New Jersey ratifies the Constitution. |
| January 2, 1788 | Georgia ratifies the Constitution. |
| January 9, 1788 | Connecticut ratifies the Constitution. |
| February 6, 1788 | Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution - after 9 amendments are proposed. |
| April 28, 1788 | Maryland ratifies the Constitution. |
| May 23, 1788 | South Carolina ratifies the Constitution. |
| June 21, 1788 | The Constitution becomes official with New Hampshire ratifies it. |
| June 25, 1788 | Virginia ratifies the Constitution. |
| July 26, 1788 | New York ratifies the Constitution. |
| February 4, 1789 | George Washington is selected as the first President of the new government, and John Adams as the Vice President. |
| March 4, 1789 | The first U.S. Congress meets in New York City |
| April 30, 1789 | George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States. |
| September 24, 1789 | Congress establishes a Supreme Court, 13district courts, 3 circuit courts, and the position of Attorney General. |
| November 21, 1789 | North Carolina ratifies the Constitution. |
| May 29, 1790 | Rhode Island ratifies the Constitution. |
| December 15, 1791 | Virginia ratifies the Bill of Rights and amendments become part of the U.S. Constitution. |