A second convention was called in September, 1789, and in the meantime the new government had come into operation and was bringing pressure to bear upon the recalcitrant States which refused to abandon the old union for the new.

One of the earliest acts passed by Congress was a revenue act, levying duties upon foreign goods imported, which were made specifically to apply to imports from Rhode Island and North Carolina.

This was sufficient for North Carolina, and on November 21, 1789, the convention ratified the Constitution.

But Rhode Island still held out.

A convention of that State was finally called to meet in March, 1790, but accomplished nothing and avoided a decision by adjourning until May.