The U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to replace the weak Articles of Confederation and create a stronger national government. After being signed on September 17, 1787, the document required approval by at least nine of the thirteen states to take effect. Fierce debates erupted between Federalists, who supported the new Constitution, and Anti-Federalists, who feared it gave too much power to the central government. Through state ratifying conventions, the Constitution gained momentum, with Delaware becoming the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787. By June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve, the Constitution was officially ratified. To address concerns about individual rights, the Bill of Rights was promised and later adopted in 1791. The ratification of the Constitution established the framework for the U.S. federal government and remains the foundation of American democracy.