Delegates in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution, replacing the failing Articles of Confederation with a new federal framework.

One day after signing, delegates transmitted the newly drafted US Constitution to the Continental Congress and then the states for ratification.

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, voting 46 to 23 after fierce debate with Anti-Federalists.

New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, unanimously approving it just weeks after Delaware and Pennsylvania.