Once the Constitution was sent to the states for approval, Rhode Island became the ultimate holdout. For over a year, they refused to even call a ratifying convention. Can you imagine the pressure? Neighbors like Massachusetts and Connecticut were joining the Union, and Rhode Island was just chilling, probably eating chowder, saying “No thanks.”
WHY DID AMERICANS WANT A BILL OF RIGHTS
It got awkward. The federal government basically threatened to treat Rhode Island like a foreign country. They even talked about cutting off trade with them. That’s like your friends saying, “If you don’t join the book club, we’re not sharing snacks with you anymore.”
The Sneaky Final Move
What finally broke the deadlock? A threat and a bribe. In 1790, the new U.S. government considered imposing heavy duties on Rhode Island goods. At the same time, they promised to pass a Bill of Rights, which calmed some fears. Rhode Island leaders realized they were being left behind, and their economy was hurting.
So, on May 29, 1790—a full two years after the Constitution took effect—Rhode Island finally ratified it. By just a two-vote margin! They were the last of the original 13 colonies to join the party. Talk about fashionably late, right?
