
What was the reason for Rhode Island’s absence from the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island’s absence from the Constitutional Convention was primarily fueled by its deep-rooted skepticism towards a strong central government. The state feared that the proposed Constitution would infringe upon its sovereignty and individual rights. Furthermore, Rhode Island’s economy heavily relied on its thriving maritime trade, and a centralized government threatened its ability to regulate commerce independently. These concerns ultimately led Rhode Island to boycott the Convention, marking its absence as a significant aspect of the nation’s constitutional history.