The U.S. Constitution is the founding document that established the form and function of the government of the United States of America. It was drafted in 1787 and sent to the 13 states for ratification. Many delegations demanded an enumeration of guaranteed rights, so the first ten amendments, known as the "Bill of Rights" were published separately and sent as well. Though the government began operation on March 4, 1789 under the ratified unamended document, North Carolina and Rhode Island held out until the Bill of Rights were added.