On May 25,1787 the Constitutional Convention opened at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, with a seven-state quorum to discuss revising the Articles of Confederation.
All 13 original states, with the exception of Rhode Island, were represented.
It took 100 days to frame the Constitution; it was signed on September 17, 1787.
At 81, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest and at 26, Jonathan Dayton, the youngest to sign the Constitution.
George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents to sign the Constitution.
All 12 state delegations approved the Constitution, 39 delegates of the 42 present signed it and the Convention formally adjourned.
The Constitution contains 4,543 words, including the signatures, and has four sheets, 28-3/4" x 23-5/8". It contains 7,591 words, including the 27 amendments.
The word “democracy” never appears in the Constitution.
Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787 and Rhode Island lthe ast on May 29, 1790.
