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The Constitution was by its own terms to become binding on the States ratifying when it had been ratified by conventions of nine States. Signed September 17, 1787, it was at once transmitted to Congress, and by Congress to the States. It was ratified by the convention of Delaware on December 7; by Pennsylvania on December 12; by New Jersey on December 18; by Georgia on January 2, 1788; by Connecticut January 9; by Massachusetts on February 6, with recommendations of amendment; by Maryland on April 28 ; by South Carolina on May 23, and by New Hampshire on June 21, 1788, making nine. Virginia ratified June 25, 1788; New York, July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790. In the last four the debate was especially warm, and in general, ratification was secured with difficulty. Hamilton and Madison had a leading part in bringing it about. The well-to-do and commercial classes generally supported it. For the ratification of amendments, see art. Amendments.