Arguing that the Ratification Clause’s original meaning means that the Constitution became effective on the date the eighth state convention ratified the document, not on the date when the First Congress convened as the Supreme Court has held. However, practically, this means the Constitution took effect in stages, as some parts took effect upon the eighth state’s ratification while others required further specific action to become effective (such as the election of the first President in order for Article II to become effective).