At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, unanimous consent meant all state delegations present voted yes on a proposal. Each state got one vote regardless of delegation size, so Pennsylvania''s eight delegates and Delaware''s five each counted equally. Unanimous votes were rare: delegates deadlocked over slavery, representation, and executive power for four months. The Convention adopted its own rules by unanimous consent on May 28, including secrecy (no press allowed) and the power to reconsider any vote. The final Constitution never achieved unanimous support. Three delegates refused to sign: George Mason and Edmund Randolph of Virginia opposed the lack of a bill of rights, while Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts objected to the Senate''s structure. Only 39 of 55 delegates signed on September 17. The requirement for nine states to ratify (not unanimous consent) reflected the Founders'' recognition that perfect agreement was impossible on a document redistributing power among states and creating a national government.