Article Seven of the proposed Constitution sets the terms by which the new frame of government will be established.

The new Constitution will become operational when ratified by at least nine states.

Only then will it replace the existing government under the Articles of Confederation and will apply only to those states that have ratified it.

Following contentious battles in several states, the proposed Constitution had reached that nine-state ratification plateau in June 1788.

On September 13, 1788, the Articles of Confederation Congress certify that the new Constitution has been ratified by more than enough states for the new system to be implemented and directs the new government to meet in New York City on the first Wednesday in March the following year (the first elections under the Constitution will be held late in 1788).