United States Constitution signed

On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia after nearly four months of debate. George Washington presided over the signing, while Gouverneur Morris prepared the final text and Benjamin Franklin urged the delegates to support it despite remaining objections. Three prominent delegates, including George Mason and Elbridge Gerry, refused to sign the document.

The signing resolved the immediate work of the Philadelphia Convention but intensified the national struggle over whether the new frame of government would replace the Articles of Confederation. Supporters argued that the Constitution created the energy and balance needed for union, while opponents warned that the proposed government endangered state authority and lacked a bill of rights. The act of signing therefore marked the beginning of the ratification battle rather than the end of constitutional conflict.

After September 17, 1787, the Constitution went to specially elected state conventions under Article VII, and the Federalist and Anti-Federalist press campaigns accelerated. The document signed in Philadelphia became law only after nine states ratified, and the ensuing controversy led directly to the Bill of Rights.