Did the States Precede the Union?
Eleven of the thirteen original States drafted constitutions before the ratification of the Articles of Confederation in 1781. This may seem trivial, but it is an important legal consideration.
Today in History: Rhode Island Becomes the 13th State to Ratify the Constitution
On May 29, 1790, Rhode Island ratified the Constitution of the United States, becoming the last of the original founding colonies to enter the Union. Rhode Island was the only state that failed to send a representative to the Philadelphia Convention, which had approved the final draft on Sept. 17, 1787. The state acted slowly…
Today in History: The Passing of “The Chancellor,” Robert Livingston
Today in 1813, Robert Livingston died. Known as “The Chancellor” for his position at the top of New York’s equity court, he became one of his state’s most influential politicians in an era of political upheaval. Born into the most prominent New York family, Livingston was destined to follow a legal background. He entered King’s…
Today in History: Massachusetts Becomes the 6th State to Ratify the Constitution
Massachusetts was the first state to ratify with a recommendation for future amendments. This paved the way for the same steps in states like New York and Virginia.
Today in History: Georgia Ratifies the Constitution
On January 2, 1788, the State of Georgia ratified the Constitution for the United States. Georgia was the fourth state to do so. The ratification message was short and to the point, and there appears to have been little debate. The following ratification text is taken from the Library of Congress’s copy of Elliot’s Debates.…
Archibald Maclaine and Nullification
When Congress makes a law beyond the Constitution, we should disregard it, and "punish them for the attempt."