What was the reason Rhode Island did not attend the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island’s absence from the Constitutional Convention can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the state was concerned about the potential loss of its cherished state sovereignty and feared a strong central government. Additionally, Rhode Island’s economy heavily relied on trade, and the proposed Constitution threatened its ability to regulate commerce independently. Lack of trust in the larger states’ intentions and a belief that the Convention could undermine the rights of small states also played a role in Rhode Island’s decision to abstain.
