On September 17, 1787, our nation's founders signed the The Constitution of the United States of America that established our system of government. Congress then sent printed copies of the Constitution to the state legislatures for ratification. In the months that followed, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay would write the Federalist Papers in support, while Patrick Henry, Elbridge Gerry, and George Mason would organize the opposition to the new Constitution. By June 21, 1788, nine states had approved the Constitution, finally forming "a more perfect Union."
The anniversary of this defining moment in American history will be celebrated nationwide by United States citizens on September 18th.