A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution (Full Movie)

Summary

The video details how the U.S. Constitution was conceived and ratified after the Revolutionary War left the nation fractured under the ineffective Articles of Confederation. It profiles key figures like George Washington and James Madison who led the secret Constitutional Convention, overcoming objections and forging compromises between states to draft a unifying, durable charter. Despite initial mixed reactions, Washington's revered leadership convinced Virginia, the critical ninth state, to ratify. The new Constitution established an empowered government with checks and balances that has endured for over 200 years.

Takeaways

• 😊 The American revolutionaries declared government existed to protect rights, and could be overthrown if violated
• 👨‍🏫 George Washington was reluctant to attend the Constitutional Convention but realized reform was needed
• 🤝 The Great Compromise broke a deadlock between large and small states by creating a two chamber legislature
• 😢 The constitution compromise counted slaves as 3/5ths a person for representation
• 😮 The public had been kept in the dark about the convention details for months
• 🎉 9 states had to ratify the new constitution for it to take effect. Delaware was first, Virginia 10th
• 😠 Patrick Henry and Anti-Federalists worried about lack of individual rights protections
• 🙏🏻 Washington's leadership at the convention convinced Virginia to narrowly ratify by 10 votes
• 😌 Washington was elected the first president unanimously in 1789
• 🇺🇸 Thanks to compromises and leadership, the fractious states unified under the longest lasting constitution

Q & A

What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation gave most power to the states, leaving the national government very weak. The Confederation Congress had no power to tax or regulate commerce, which made it difficult to address national issues.

Why was the Constitutional Convention held in secret?

The Constitutional Convention was held in secret so the delegates could debate freely without outside influence. Windows were shuttered and oaths of secrecy were taken so the public would not know what was being discussed until a final proposal was ready.

What was the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise settled the dispute between large and small states over legislative representation. It established a bicameral legislature with the House based on population and the Senate giving equal votes to each state.

How were slaves counted under the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Under the Three-Fifths Compromise, slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person for determining representation and taxation. This inflated the population numbers of slave states and enabled them to gain more representatives.

Why did some delegates oppose a single executive?

Some delegates opposed having a single powerful executive because they feared it could lead to tyranny or monarchy. However, others argued a single leader was necessary to transcend state interests.

Why was George Washington's support so critical?

George Washington was enormously popular and trusted by all. His support for the Constitution convinced many skeptics to ratify it based on faith that he would become the first president.

Which states were the last to ratify the Constitution?

The key late holdouts were New York and Virginia, two of the largest and most powerful states. Virginia narrowly voted to ratify, followed by New York, ensuring the Constitution would be adopted.

Why was Washington reluctant to become president?

Washington wanted to enjoy a peaceful private life at Mount Vernon after the war. However, he felt obliged to accept the presidency out of duty and to prevent the fragile new nation from failing.

What convinced Washington to attend the Constitutional Convention?

Washington was initially reluctant, but the outbreak of Shays' Rebellion convinced him that major reform was needed to strengthen the central government and stabilize the nation.

How long did ratification of the Constitution take?

Ratification was a drawn out process, taking over two years. Delaware ratified first in December 1787, Rhode Island was last in May 1790, and the Constitution took effect in March 1789.