The Constitution, from Drafting to Ratification: A User's Guide

A little more than a decade after the founding of the United States, things weren't going incredibly smoothly. People like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton actually wanted to create a whole new government. In the summer of 1787, the Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia, and by September, the Constitution had been born. Join National Constitution Center President Jeff Rosen and the Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein for a conversation about why a constitutional convention was needed, how it worked, what the thorniest issues were, and how we got the Constitution and Bill of Rights we have today.
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[@rkba4923]

I can't believe how little interest Americans show to their Constitution and the history of our country's founding. If the mass of the people truly understood the principles of liberty upon which this country was founded, like the founding generation did, and the courage of their convictions (I'm not sure many Americans have convictions,) we wouldn't have all the usurpations and corruption we have today!

[@horizonbrave1533]

As an American I agree... I'm IT and technology major, but I love..really love the care, the crafting, and the forethought that went into the Constitution. I've been on a real early American history kick lately...sad that so many here don't think it even matters..

[@rkba4923]

Were the Articles of Confederation ever repealed? Since they've been enacted as The Organic Law of the U.S., I'd guess, no they weren't repealed. Therefore, it's STILL THE LAW OF THE LAND. Correct or no? Have you guys ever addressed the weight, or lack thereof, of the Declaration of Independence in the law? It has also been enacted as Organic Law. Serious question! Thanks in advance for a serious answer.

[@gdelacruzjr]

Yes, The ratification of The Constitution repealed it.

[@EditorsPost]

In India, Our independence came from the ally of Congress.. Here is Indian National Congress.. Its hard to believe that Americans Controls the International Policies.. It's a Hard Truth.. The Law land will remain the law land until we rise above it.. This is my comment.. I am Searching for The Better Framework to Run a Country.. What's in your mind??

[@myd0gr3x]

@@gdelacruzjr and facts AND evidence supporting your statement?

[@AtmaureanNoble7]

The Articles of Confederation and the Articles of Association weren't the real names for those governmental syndicates.

[@walelegnewassie1263]

Nice

[@yuantronz45]

Lecture the “Gentiles.”

[@luisa.melendezalbizu4459]

This guy is saying things that are incorrect. The Revolutionary War lasted from April 1775 until September 1783. There were eight (8) Presidents under the Articles of the Confederation: John Hanson (1782), Elias Boudinot (1783), Thomas Mifflin (1784), Richard Henry Lee (1785), John Hancock (1786), Nathan Gorman (1787), Arthur St. Clair (1788), Cyrus Griffin (1789).

[@gemelk]

They were Presidents, but only of Congress, not the U.S.

[@jubjub2112]

Regarding his remarks at the 35 minute to the 36 minute mark . . . This isn't what I've read. According to what I read the only reason they changed the language to "We the People" instead of "We the state of New York, Delaware, Virginia ....." was because they did not know which of the states intended to ratify the constitutions. If some opted out there would be no sense in them being mentioned. This idea that the founding fathers envisioned a centralized federal government with the power over the states is absolute rubbish! This is a poor rewriting of American history. These clowns are propagandists . . . not real historians.

[@gdelacruzjr]

If they didn't want a centralized strong government they would've kept the Articles of Confederation

[@janetownley]

You’re mistaken. BEFORE the Constitution, thinking was as you say, but the men who created the Constitution - at least a group among them - absolutely did want a strong central government. Others among them were quite leery of a central government.

[@myd0gr3x]

have you read the anti federalists? or Patrick Henry addressing the Virginia ratification?

[@neilhasid3407]

This guy knows his stuff,but his delivery is monotone and boring.

[@williams7078]

Go watch cartoons...