Which state was the first to be admitted to the United States on December 7, 1787?

Which state was the first to be admitted to the United States on December 7, 1787?

• A. Rhode Island
• B. Delaware
• C. Pennsylvania
• D. Georgia

Answer: (B)

This question is about the order in which the original states ratified the U.S. Constitution. Delaware did so on December 7, 1787, becoming the first state to sign onto the new framework and earning the nickname “First State.” That early ratification started the process that allowed the Constitution to take effect once enough states agreed. Other original states ratified later—Pennsylvania on December 12, 1787, and Rhode Island much later in 1790, for example—so Delaware is the standout first.

This question is about the order in which the original states ratified the U.S. Constitution. Delaware did so on December 7, 1787, becoming the first state to sign onto the new framework and earning the nickname “First State.” That early ratification started the process that allowed the Constitution to take effect once enough states agreed. Other original states ratified later—Pennsylvania on December 12, 1787, and Rhode Island much later in 1790, for example—so Delaware is the standout first.