Among the thirteen original colonies, Rhode Island holds a unique place in the history of American constitutional development. Known for its staunch independence and suspicion of centralized power, this small but defiant state was the last to ratify the United States Constitution. The path to ratification was long and contentious, marked by economic pressure, political resistance, and fierce public debate. Understanding Rhode Island’s ratification of the Constitution offers deep insights into the early struggles of American federalism and the tensions between state sovereignty and national unity.
Rhode Island’s Tradition of Independence
Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious dissenters, Rhode Island developed a deep-rooted culture of autonomy and self-rule. Unlike other colonies, it operated with broad freedoms and maintained a commitment to local control. This strong sense of independence shaped Rhode Island’s approach to the idea of a centralized federal government. The topics of Confederation, adopted in 1781, granted considerable power to the individual states, which suited Rhode Island’s values.
When delegates from twelve of the thirteen states met in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft a new Constitution, Rhode Island declined to send any representatives. The state’s government viewed the Constitutional Convention as an unauthorized gathering with the potential to diminish state sovereignty. Many Rhode Islanders were wary that a strong federal government could impose taxes, create a standing army, and threaten civil liberties.
Opposition to the New Constitution
After the Constitution was signed in September 1787, it required ratification by at least nine states to become effective. Most states held conventions to debate and vote on ratification. Rhode Island, however, delayed any action for nearly two years. The state’s General Assembly repeatedly refused to call a ratifying convention, instead holding public referendums that consistently rejected the new Constitution.
The opposition in Rhode Island was particularly strong among farmers and rural populations. Many feared that the new federal system would be dominated by wealthy elites and merchants from larger states. Additionally, the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution alarmed Rhode Islanders who demanded explicit protections for individual freedoms.
Key Reasons for Delay
- Mistrust of centralized authority– The Constitution was seen as giving too much power to a national government.
- Lack of a Bill of Rights– Many Rhode Islanders wanted guaranteed civil liberties before supporting ratification.
- Economic concerns– Fear that federal control over trade and taxes would harm small farmers and local economies.
- Political culture– Rhode Island’s longstanding tradition of localism and self-governance fueled resistance.
Economic and Political Pressure
As other states moved forward with ratification, Rhode Island’s refusal became increasingly problematic. Once the ninth state, New Hampshire, ratified the Constitution in June 1788, the new federal government was officially formed. Rhode Island, now outside the union of the newly created United States, began facing isolation and economic consequences.
The federal government and other states applied significant pressure. Congress considered legislation to treat Rhode Island as a foreign nation, subjecting it to tariffs and trade restrictions. This led to growing concerns among Rhode Island merchants and political leaders, who feared economic ruin if the state remained outside the union. Even the threat of being excluded from federal decisions, especially regarding commerce and currency, alarmed many citizens.
The Road to Ratification
By 1790, pressure mounted from both inside and outside the state. Economic hardships were worsening, and more citizens began to favor joining the union. In January 1790, the Rhode Island General Assembly finally authorized a ratifying convention to be held in May.
The convention was deeply divided. The vote to ratify the Constitution was close 34 in favor and 32 against. Rhode Island became the 13th and final original state to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790. To gain support, the state also submitted a list of recommended amendments, many of which focused on preserving civil liberties and limiting federal power. These concerns were later addressed with the adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Amendments Proposed by Rhode Island
- Guarantees of freedom of religion and press
- Protections against unreasonable searches and seizures
- Right to a trial by jury
- Limitations on federal power to impose taxes and maintain a standing army in peacetime
Aftermath and Legacy
Rhode Island’s late ratification did not exclude it from becoming a full member of the union. However, the delay had lasting effects on the state’s national reputation. It was often mocked as stubborn or uncooperative in the early years of the republic. Still, Rhode Island’s resistance played a key role in the broader movement that led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791, ensuring protections for individual liberties.
The episode also highlighted the strength of democratic processes in the United States. Though Rhode Island delayed, it ultimately followed a lawful path to joining the union, respecting the voices of its citizens and the federal framework. Its eventual ratification underscored the importance of compromise, dialogue, and the balance between local autonomy and national unity.
Rhode Island’s journey to ratifying the Constitution was complex and deeply rooted in its identity as a fiercely independent state. While it stood apart from the rest of the union for a time, its eventual acceptance of the federal Constitution demonstrated the power of persuasion and collective interest. The story of Rhode Island’s ratification remains a compelling example of how debates over power, rights, and governance shaped the foundation of the United States. It also serves as a reminder that even the smallest voices in a democracy can influence the direction of a nation.