After the Revolutionary War ended and the dust settled, it became clear to the thirteen original colonies of the United States that a new framework for government was necessary. During the war, the colonists had established the Articles of Confederation, but it was evident that this structure was weak and needed significant revision. Representatives from 12 of the colonies (Rhode Island chose to boycott) met to discuss and develop a new document outlining the framework of the government. This committee, known as the Constitutional Convention, drafted the new Constitution and submitted it to the states for approval. Ratification required confirmation from 9 of the states, which was a majority at that time. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify the Constitution, officially establishing it as the new law of the land for the United States of America.

The ratification process of the new Constitution sparked considerable debate. Many states were concerned about diminishing their own power and feared that a centralized government would become too powerful. They worried about the potential for tyranny, reminiscent of the overreach they had fought so hard against during British rule. However, these concerns were addressed, and adjustments were made to the original draft accordingly. A Bill of Rights was added to ensure that individual rights and freedoms would be protected and put limitations on government power. Additionally, the separation of powers was added, which divided governmental authority between different branches to prevent the concentration of power. By May of 1790, all 13 colonies had ratified the Constitution.