Why did one of the states refuse to send delgates to the Constitutional Convention?

Answer 1

Rhode Island's leaders did not want a national government interfering in its affairs and opposed the creation of a strong, central government.

A Rhode Island delegate quoted, "I will not have anything to do with revising the Articles of Confederation. They are fine as they are. Rhode Island won't be bossed about by its larger, more populous neighbors."

Rhode Island feared of Constitutional Convention's newly proposed system that would be detrimental to Rhode Island's economy.

Answer 2

Rhode Island refused to participate because they didn't want to be a part of something that would overthrow the already established government. They liked the way things were, the loose based government, figuring that it was the best way to maintain the democracy, and didn't want anything to hinder that. Making a more central government meant the states would have less power.

Answer 3

Rhode Island's leaders refused to participate in the Constitutional Convention because they believed the true purpose was to overthrow the current constitution, which was operating under the Articles of Confederation. They were satisfied enough with things as they were under the Articles.

Rhode Island also became the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790. The U.S. Constitution went into effect on June 21, 1788 for the required nine states that ratified it. Only North Carolina and Rhode Island were not part of the United States Constitution when George Washington became President on April 30, 1789.

Answer 4

Rhode Island did sign the Declaration of Independence. The names of the people who signed it were, Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery.

Answer 5

Because its leaders opposed the creation of a stronger central government.