1787
The Constitution is signed
Thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia sign the proposed Constitution and send it to the states for ratification.
Source: National Archives
The Seventh Amendment. Civil trials
Preserves the right of trial by jury in suits at common law where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.
Individual rightsProposed 1789Ratified December 15, 1791
- What it does
- Preserves the right of trial by jury in suits at common law where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.
- Time to ratify
- 2 years from proposal to ratification.
- Era
- The founding (1787–1800)
Around 1791. What else was in the record.
Decisions and events within six years of ratification.
1788
New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify
With nine of thirteen states, the threshold set by Article VII is met and the Constitution is established among the ratifying states.
Source: National Archives
1789
Judiciary Act of 1789
Congress establishes the federal court system and sets the Supreme Court at six Justices.
Source: National Archives
1789
Congress proposes the Bill of Rights
The First Congress sends twelve amendments to the states; ten are ratified in 1791 as the Bill of Rights.
Source: National Archives
1793
Chisholm v. Georgia
Yes. Federal judicial power extended to suits brought against a state by a citizen of another state.
Source: Opinion of the Court