In this Episode:

• The Ratification Debates begin.
• Giants like George Mason, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams and Richard Henry Lee oppose the Constitution.
• The Constitution is sent to the Continental Congress for approval to send to the state legislatures.
• An analysis of the task ahead of the Federalists.
• The Anti-Federalists suffer major losses in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Georgia and New Jersey.

In this Episode:

• The life of Gouverneur Morris, drafter of the U.S. Constitution.
• Morris’ work in New York politics.
• Morris as chief advocate for the Continental Army.
• Morris’ role in the Constitutional Convention.
• Morris’ dealings with England and later role as Minister to France during the French Revolution.
• Morris and northern secession.

In this Episode:

• The  final debates at the Constitutional Convention center on signing questions.
• Elbridge Gerry, George Mason and Edmund Randolph all voice displeasure with the document and refuse to sign.
• A committee on style is formed to write the Constitution.
• A Bill of Rights is proposed and debated, but soundly defeated, only for the issue to be resurrected again during the ratification debates.
• Washington supports a measure to increase representation in the House to win over dissenters, but the dissenters refuse to sign.
• The Constitution is signed and the debate for its ratification begins.

In this Episode:

• The  development of the Judicial Branch in the Constitutional Convention.
• Should the Judicial Branch be combined with the Executive Branch?
• A description of the Judicial Branch in Article III and Federalist Papers.
• The Judiciary Act of 1789 and Congress’ roll in forming the Judicial Branch.
• Details on the original courts.
• A discussion on the evolution of the courts today, foreshadowed by Thomas Jefferson.

In this Episode:

• Slavery, the Fugitive Slave Clause, and the Three-Fifths Compromise
• A discussion on slavery, the Constitutional Convention, and the U.S. Contitution
• William Lloyd Garrison and Fredrick Douglass’ views on the Constitution
• The divisions between North and South
• An alliance between Connecticut and the Southern states over exports
• An analysis of the Convention’s handling of the slavery issue

In this Episode:

• The life of Roger Sherman, signer of America’s first four founding documents.
• Sherman lives the typical American life beginning as a cobbler and ending as a national statesman.
• Sherman’s political and legal career in Connecticut.
• Sherman’s role in the Continental Congress and in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
• Colleagues praise Sherman’s character.
• Sherman’s role in the Great Compromise.
• Sherman’s deep religious beliefs and strident opposition to paper money.

In this Episode:

• Alexander Hamilton proposes a radical centralized government based on Great Britain’s system.
• Even his close friend James Madison is amazed by Hamilton’s outlandish proposal.
• The debate over representation continues to prevent substantive progress.
• A profile of Luther Martin, a man who spoke a great lengths but rarely contributed anything of substance.

In this Episode:

• The city of Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention.
• An overview of the Constitutional Convention delegates.
• Notable Constitutional Convention absences.
• A short look at the 55 delegates, part 1.
• Delegates from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware.