In which year was the U.S. Constitution ratified?

The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, marking a significant moment in American history when the foundational legal framework for the United States government was officially established. This year is particularly important because it not only signifies the conclusion of the ratification process, which began in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention, but it also represents the moment when the Constitution became the supreme law of the land.

While 1776 is notable for the Declaration of Independence, it does not pertain to the Constitution itself; the Declaration declared independence from British rule rather than establishing a governing document. The year 1791 is significant because that is when the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was ratified, enhancing the protections of individual liberties. The year 1801 is associated with the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as President and does not relate directly to the ratification of the Constitution.

Thus, 1789 is the correct answer as it signifies the official adoption of the U.S. Constitution, enabling the framework for governance and the rule of law under which the United States operates.