The Constitutional Convention
The first 13 states of the Union functioned almost as independent countries. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention unanimously accepted and signed the final document on September 17, 1787, completing the first step in establishing a new form of government. Because the document required ratification by three-quarters (nine) of the 13 states, the debate moved from Philadelphia to the state legislatures.
(Pamphlet, 4 pgs.)