The document summarizes key events surrounding the ratification of the US Constitution: 1) The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787 by 39 delegates including Benjamin Franklin and James Madison. 2) For the Constitution to take effect, at least 9 of the 13 states had to ratify it. Only ratifying states would be part of the new nation. 3) Federalists supported the Constitution and a strong national government while Anti-Federalists opposed it and wanted stronger state governments with limited national power.