In September of 1787, it was sent to the states for ratification. Nine of the 13 states would have to ratify it for the Constitution to become effective for those ratifying states. The future was not certain at all—a debate began among the states over ratification.
Executive Branch<span>: Headed by the president.</span>
The surrender concluded a standoff that began with South Carolina’s secession from the Union on December 20, 1860
