Subject: Ratification and admission to the Union
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001 20:16:23 -0500
From: Norman Mikalac mikalac@worldnet.att.net
To: inquire@nara.gov

Can you help me interpret the difference, if any, between State ratification and admission to the Union?

For example, I know that following the ratification of the Constitution of 11 of the original 13 sovereign States, the Constitution became effective on 3/4/1789. Can I assume that the 11 States became the U.S.A. on that date rather than when they each ratified the Constitution?

Also, N.C. ratified on 11/21/1789 and R.I. on 5/29/1790. What were the dates these 2 states were admitted to the Union, assuming that step was required following their ratification.

Thanks for your help.

Norman Mikalac
1121 Arlington Blvd. #242
Arlington, VA 22209
703 872 3706 (w)