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This Day in American History

January 2

1 historic event on this date

Founding1788

Georgia Ratifies the Constitution

Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, doing so unanimously. Georgia's swift ratification reflected the young state's desire for a strong federal government that could provide military protection against conflicts with Native American nations on its frontier.

Why It Matters

Georgia's unanimous ratification demonstrated early momentum for the Constitution and highlighted how practical security concerns motivated states to support a stronger federal union.

Explore the Principles Behind the History

Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

View the 28 Founding Principles