National Ratification Day

A diverse group of people happily celebrating with American flags, wearing patriotic outfits on a sunny day in a picturesque park.. — National ratification day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the hilarious and sometimes mind-boggling world of national days! Today, we're diving into the fascinating National Ratification Day.

When is Ratification Day?

It's national ratification day on the 14th January.

The Birth of National Ratification Day

On this exceptional occasion, we celebrate the historical event of ratifying something. But what exactly does that mean? Let's break it down for you.

Back in the day, when the United States was still a baby nation, it needed a way to officially approve and adopt important documents like the Constitution. This process is called ratification, which means giving formal consent or endorsement. The Founding Fathers and their trusty quill pens went to work, discussing, negotiating, and tweaking the Constitution until they finally reached an agreement. It was a momentous occasion that deserved celebration, and thus, National Ratification Day was born.

How to Celebrate

Now, you might be thinking, "How on earth do I celebrate National Ratification Day?" Fear not, dear friend, for we have some delightful suggestions:

Organize a reading of the Constitution with your loved ones. Get everyone together and take turns reciting this important document. It'll make for a fun and educational evening that will surely impress your friends and neighbors.
Channel your inner Founding Father and have a spirited debate with your friends about a pressing issue. But remember, no dueling allowed! Just lively discussions and maybe some friendly wagers.
Host a Constitution-themed party! Whip up some red, white, and blue treats, play patriotic tunes, and have a Constitution trivia contest. The winner gets ultimate bragging rights as the biggest American history buff.

A Fun Fact Found in an Old Book

Did you know that the oldest book in the world, discovered in a dusty attic, contains an extra chapter to the Constitution? It turns out that there was a secret clause about mandatory hug quotas, but it was never ratified and remained hidden for centuries. Imagine a world where we have to meet our daily hug requirements!

History behind the term 'Ratification'

1787

The Birth of the United States Constitution

In 1787, the United States Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This historic document established the framework for the American government and its laws. One crucial element of the Constitution was the process of ratification, which would determine if the document would become the supreme law of the land.

1787-1788

The Ratification Debates

Following the drafting of the Constitution, a lively debate ensued across the newly formed United States. Supporters of the Constitution, known as Federalists, argued for its ratification, while Anti-Federalists expressed concerns about the possible concentration of power in the federal government. This debate sparked intense discussions and public discourse throughout the states, as citizens grappled with the implications of ratification.

1788

Delaware: The First State to Ratify

On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, setting a significant precedent. Delaware's unanimous decision to ratify demonstrated early support for the new system of governance envisioned by the Constitution. This pivotal step paved the way for future states to follow suit.

1788

New Hampshire's Crucial Vote

In June 1788, New Hampshire's ratification vote played a crucial role in the attainment of the required nine out of thirteen states for the Constitution to become effective. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the ratification process, as New Hampshire's approval tipped the balance in favor of the Constitution's adoption.

1790

The Final State Ratifies: Rhode Island

After a slow and contentious process, Rhode Island finally ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790. As the last of the original thirteen colonies to do so, Rhode Island's decision solidified the Union, making it the united thirteen states of America. This momentous event marked the official completion of the ratification process.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Ratification Day was almost named National Quill Pen Day? We're just glad they didn't choose National Feathered Friend Day instead!