Rhode Island Was the Last Original State to Ratify the Constitution—Here's Why

Contrary to the premise, Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the U.S. Constitution—on May 29, 1790, over a year after the new government began operations.

Why the Delay?

Rhode Island's resistance stemmed from distinct political culture and economic interests:

• Anti-Federalist dominance: The state's "Country Party" (rural, agrarian, debtor-friendly) feared centralized power, loss of state sovereignty, and a national tax system that would threaten their paper money policies.
• No constitutional convention: Rhode Island refused to send delegates to Philadelphia in 1787, the only state to boycott.
• Popular referendum rejection: In March 1788, voters defeated ratification 2,708 to 237—a 10:1 margin.
• Economic leverage: As a small maritime state, it benefited from impost (import duty) revenue under the Articles of Confederation and resisted federal control of trade.

Pressure Mounts

By 1790, the new federal government imposed tariffs on Rhode Island goods as if it were a foreign nation. Commercial isolation, pressure from Providence merchants, and the looming threat of the Bill of Rights (which addressed anti-Federalist concerns) forced a second convention.

Narrow Victory

The ratifying convention approved the Constitution 34–32—the closest margin of any state. Rhode Island entered the Union with a list of proposed amendments, most later incorporated into the Bill of Rights.

Its reluctance reflected genuine fear of consolidation; its eventual assent completed the original union.