★ AMERICA 250

American History Timeline

1787: The Constitution Is Signed

Delegates in Philadelphia sign the Constitution, creating the framework for the federal government and the balance of powers.

September 17, 1787 · Chapter 1 · Pages 21-24

First page of the United States Constitution
Visual direction: National Archives / public-domain founding document

What Happened

After independence, the young country still needed a durable system for governing itself. The Constitution established federal structure, legislative representation, executive power, courts, amendment procedures, and a system designed to balance energy with restraint.

Why It Matters

The Constitution is the operating architecture of the American story. It explains how a revolutionary promise became a long-running republic.

Worth Knowing

Constitution Day is observed on September 17, the anniversary of the signing in Philadelphia.

Where It Fits in the America 250 Book

This story appears in Chapter 1, Pages 21-24, as part of the 160-page landscape collector edition. The book expands timeline moments like this with archival imagery, maps, concise narrative context, and feature spreads designed for browsing and display.

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United States Constitution timelineConstitution signed 1787Philadelphia Convention