Ratification of the Constitution required approval by conventions in how many states?

• A. Seven states
• B. Nine states
• C. Eleven states
• D. Thirteen states

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the Constitution was approved and when it could take effect. The framers set that the new framework would become law after it was ratified by conventions in nine states, not by all thirteen. This approach used specially chosen conventions to consider and vote on ratification, giving the process broad support without requiring unanimous agreement. Once nine states had ratified, the Constitution could go into effect in those states and the new government could begin. Rhode Island initially held back but eventually ratified later; the essential point is that nine states were enough to establish the new framework.