PHILADELPHIA - The United States Constitution was ratified on December 7, 1787, by five states: Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Other states opposed the document because it did not safeguard their basic political rights. All fifty states eventually ratified the Constitution, except for the District of Columbia. It was drafted by James Madison, who subsequently served as President of the United States from 1789 to 1794.
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PHILADELPHIA - In 1776, 56 delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia to address the Coercive or Intolerable Acts. These acts were designed to punish the colonies for the Boston Tea Party. John Adams and Samuel Adams were delegated to the meeting. Peyton Randolph, a prominent Virginia leader and George Washington's close friend was elected as the first president of the Continental Congress. The group agreed to meet again on May 10, 1776, to discuss the Coercive Acts.
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PHILADELPHIA - If you're interested in the history of America's founding fathers, explore the chair of George Washington at the National Constitution Center. It was used by the 55 delegates of the Continental Congress to draft the Constitution, and you can even sit in his chair today.
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PHILADELPHIA - The Assembly Room is located on the first-floor of Independence Hall. The room was built around 1790 and is decorated in the era's style. The earliest known painting of the room is called Congress Voting Independence. It was painted by Robert Edge Pine in 1784 and finished by Edward Savage. Savage died before his engravings were finished. The Massachusetts Historical Society acquired the plate in 1859, and the engravings were printed the following year.
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PHILADELPHIA - Explore Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and get a feel for the American Revolution. It is a federally protected historic district that preserves important sites associated with our nation's founding history. While you are exploring Independence Park, you might want to do some historical research on your own. Here are some tips to help you plan a visit to the historic district. Enjoy your trip! And don't forget to take pictures! Listed below are some of the most fascinating sites in Philadelphia.
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- By WherePHILLY Staff