Was Rhode Island present at the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island’s absence from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 is a well-known fact in American history. Despite being invited, the state declined to send delegates to the convention. This decision was driven by a combination of factors including concerns over state sovereignty and a mistrust of a strong central government. As a result, Rhode Island missed the opportunity to contribute to the formation of the United States Constitution, a document that has shaped the nation’s governance for over two centuries.
