Claim OwnershipBecoming America: The Constitutional Convention of 1787
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How did the United States Constitution become the supreme law of the land? Who wrote it? What issues did they face? Why is the Constitution important to us today? The Constitution is under attack at the same time few Americans can answer simple questions about what it says and what it means. Becoming America: The Constitutional Convention of 1787 addresses these important issues in a unique blend of interviews with nationally acclaimed scholars and experts and lively, upbeat songs from the new musical “Convention: The Birth of America.”
Designed for “we the people” of all ages, Becoming America will take you on a tour of America in 1787 and in-person encounters with Presidents George Washington and James Madison. Sponsored by the Center for Civics Education at Concordia University Irvine, each of seventeen episodes is co-hosted by Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, Judge James P. Gray (retired) and the Honorable Bijan Kian.
An underlying theme is the notion that “The United States of America is the perfect idea. The United States of America is a work in progress.” How do we, as Americans, continue to build on the original principles of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and equality under the law? Only a basic understanding of those principles, their origin and purpose, and commitment to their fulfillment can we assure their endurance and applicability to all Americans and those who live here.
Becoming America promises to inform, inspire and entertain you through an historic journey unique in the history of the world and foundational to how our government was established and has endured for more than two hundred thirty years. The Constitution is ours. It belongs to us, “we the people.”
18 Episodes
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Preservation of our founding documents and records of debates and other commentaries on the purposes and intentions of the Founders are essential to both our past and present application of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They are more than memories of the past, they continue to be the foundation upon which our government and liberties rest. In this final episode of Becoming America, David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, discusses the role of the National Archives in safeguarding the original US Constitution and other founding documents. He explains how the Archives work alongside other government agencies, how ordinary citizens can gain access to historical documents, and how the Archives instill civic literacy in young people. Finally, the hosts cap off the show by sharing their reverence and respect for the Constitution, what inspired Judge Gray to write a musical about the Constitutional Convention, and what being an American means to them.
“America is perfect idea; the United States is a work in progress.” This has been a constant theme during our “Becoming America” series. In today's society, more diverse than ever, how do the ideas that motivated our Founders stand up? Does the Constitution still resonate with the people? This episode features everyday Americans sharing their thoughts about the Constitution, which section means the most to them, and what it means to be an American. Tune in as they provide brief individual glimpses of their views of our country's ideas of liberty, opportunity, security and individual freedom.
The Preamble of the Constitution contains its most revolutionary statement, beginning with the remarkable statement that the new government would be based on the authority of “We the People.” In this episode of “Becoming America,” Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, Judge Jim Gray, and Bijan Kian interview Judge Andrew Guilford. Retired after serving for nearly 14 years as a United States Federal District Court Judge, Judge Guilford is one of only two district judges in his region to have been invited to sit on the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals - the Ninth Circuit. In this episode, he addresses the purpose and history of the Preamble and whether it has legal authority. He also addresses a critical modification of the Preamble approved during the Constitutional Convention and the meaning of the concept of American exceptionalism. Finally, just who are "the people" in the Preamble and how do we transmit our constitutional values to the next generation? Judge Guilford answers these questions, so don't miss out and join us in this great conversation!
Fortunately, there are thousands of documents recording the drafting and ratification of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Letters, journals, newspaper articles, political pamphlets and much more provide a comprehensive account – including from both sides - those who favored and those who disapproved of the Constitution. Our guest in this episode has been shaping the conversation about our American history through his work with the Ashbrook Center. Dr. Gordon Lloyd is the Robert and Katheryn Dockson Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University and the creator of four highly regarded websites on the origin of the Constitution. He joins Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, Judge Jim Gray, and Bijan Kian to share with us his work and wisdom surrounding the birth of our Constitution. Dr. Gordon Lloyd shares with us the compromises made during the Convention, the new relationship between the states and a new national government, and the power of the people. Tune in to this conversation to get a deeper understanding of what William Gradstone, the great English Prime Minister, described as the greatest documents ever written by the hand of man.
It can be lonesome at the top, especially when you lead not only a country but a country at the cusp of transformation. At the creation of the United States, there was one indispensable man. He commanded the Continental Army through the Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and was elected to be our first President. We all know him. His name George Washington. Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, Judge Jim Gray, and Bijan Kian have prepared a unique interview for us, diving deep into the insights and experience of the country's first Commander-in-Chief! Why did General Washington believe the Articles of Confederation were deficient? Why was he hesitant to attend the Constitutional Convention? What about his relationships with James Madison, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson? Why did he believe a Bill of Rights was not needed? Rather than speculate, we will take a trip back in time and ask General Washington himself to answer these and other questions. This is one conversation you will not want to miss!
Why did our Founding Fathers ignore the issue of slavery when crafting the Constitution? To understand this better, we need to put everything in context with the times. The incipient federation was at risk of many Southern states not joining if slavery was outlawed, and many of the delegates themselves were slave owners. But to their credit, they did make the institution much less brutal. To help us gain a better understanding of this prominent and often controversial sticking point of American history, Judge Jim Gray, Professor Jo Ellen Chatham, and “The American”, Bijan Kian are joined by Major General James Williams of the US Marine Corps. Join in and learn why the word “slavery” wasn’t included in the Constitution and how that decision embodied our nation builders’ principles of personal liberty.
The Constitutional Convention was by no means a smooth proceeding. The delegates represented a wide array of interests and opinions and argued about almost every provision before coming to a near-unanimous conclusion before the Convention adjourned. Among the most hotly contested issues were the relationship between the states and the new national government and the powers assigned to the three branches of the national government. In addition, what checks and balances would be included to limit the powers of government? Judge Jim Gray, Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham and Bijan Kian are joined again by former Congressman Tom Campbell, this time to discuss checks and balances as well as how they have been ignored or violated at various times in our history. Tune in for a great tour back in time and learn how the Founders tried to limit the power of government through what we call separation of powers and checks and balances.
Many critical issues divided the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. One of the most contentious was how much power the central government should wield. Nearly everyone at the table agreed that The Articles of Confederation were weak and that giving the central government more authority was essential. But how much power should that central authority have and how should it be organized? Should each state be represented equally or should representation be based on population? Should the central government be small and limited in scope or should it be expanded to act broadly in the interests of all of the states? How could the interests of individual states be balanced against the interests of the states and the people collectively? To consider how the Founders approached these problems, Judge Jim Gray, Professor Jo Ellen Chatham, and “The American”, Bijan Kian had a conversation with Trevor Burrus, a research fellow at the Cato Institute. Tune in to listen to his insights on this power struggle, as well as other points of disagreement, including whether a Bill of Rights was necessary.
We all learned from school that the Constitutional Convention was held in May of 1787 within of what is now known as Independence Hall. But how much do we know about the process the Founding Fathers followed in those crucial four months? Dr. Bryan M. Santin is here to discuss how the Constitutional Convention operated. He explains the major rules set in place, the number of delegates present, the purpose of action committees, and how ratification debates worked. Dr. Bryan also highlights the most notable players who made their mark in the convention, from George Washington's groundbreaking election as the first President to George Mason's indomitable spirit to fight for the Bill of Rights.
The First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to religious freedom. While the Founders held varying religious opinions, they agreed that every individual must the right to hold their own religious beliefs and practices without government interference. Fast forward to the present time, Americans have become more diverse in religion, including having no religious faith at all. Is the First Amendment still applicable to Americans these days, even those with no specific religion? Author Joshua Charles dives deep into this complicated topic as he addresses the thoughts and opinions of the Founding Fathers about this important matter. He explains how the First Amendment transcends religious discrimination, affects the relationship between virtue and liberty, and the importance of morality in modern times.
More than 200 years ago, leaders representing twelve of the thirteen States calling themselves the United States of America gathered gathered together in Philadelphia. Concerned about the lack of cooperation among the states, a looming economic crisis, potential insurrections in the states and unstable relations with foreign nations, their critical meeting led to the creation of the United States and a model of government unique in human history. Dr. John Kaminski, Director of the Center for the Study of the American Constitution, joins Judge Jim Gray, Bijan Kian and Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham to discuss how the Constitution was designed, debated and ratified and how it has survived for more than two hundred thirty years. Their conversation includes the issues dividing the delegates, primarily representation, taxation, creating an executive branch and judiciary, and slavery. Dr. Kaminski focuses on what has become known as the Great Compromise and the number one goal of the Convention – unity.
Article III of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court. Among issues facing the courts over many decades are rights and roles of women. Although the Constitution makes no distinction between men and women, state law often made such distinction and many were challenged in federal courts. Diving deep into this controversial topic, Judge Jim Gray, Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, and Bijan Kian sit down with former Congressman and law school professor, Tom Campbell. They tackle the changing roles and political rights of women over time, how court decisions impacted those changes, and the purpose of the Nineteenth Amendment. Dr. Campbell also offers general insights about the judiciary as discussed in his book, Separation of Powers in Practice, including thoughts about judicial restraint and judicial activism. The conflict between these two theories of how judges should interpret the Constitution prompts a discussion about controversial Supreme Court decisions such as Roe v. Wade and how Supreme Court nominees are evaluated.
America is built on our collective hopes and dreams to govern ourselves and to secure the promises to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, there are times in our history when these were not applied equally to all people and must not be ignored. Acknowledging them and addressing their legacies is a path to assuring that the promises of America are available by all. Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham and co-hosts Judge Jim Gray and Bijan Kian are joined by the former Chairman of the United States Civil Rights Commission, Dr. William Barclay Allen, to shed light on these issues. They discuss at length the Constitution, the revolution in self-government it proposed, and the promises it held for most people. The also consider issues of slavery, the Civil War amendments, voting rights, liberty, and justice. Join this insightful discussion to learn more not only about the Constitution, but constitutional interpretation. More often than not, there is more to learn to learn than what we think we know.
In each episode, we break down the events at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that drafted our Constitution. If there is a figure more suited than any other to join the podcast, it would no doubt be the Father of the Constitution himself, President James Madison. What would you ask if you could interview James Madison? What do you believe would be his thoughts on the issues facing America at that time? In this discussion, Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, Judge Jim Gray, and Bijan Kian have the privilege to do just that! Let’s go back to the year 1821 and ask the founding father his thoughts about the Constitution, his role in drafting it and the amendments that became the Bill of Rights and how he is spending his retirement days. He also comments on his relationship with George Washington and Alexander Hamilton and shares his thought son the issue of slavery. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Building what is now the United States of America was far from a tidy process of state-building. Much of what defines America was unprecedented when the Founders met in Philadelphia and drafted a new form of government, and ours were often in serious disagreement. In this episode of Becoming America, we are taken back to that time when opponents of the Constitution actually believed its ratification was tantamount to overthrowing the current government. To investigate this, Judge Jim Gray, Professor Jo Ellen Chatham, and “The American”, Bijan Kian are joined by Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College. Unlike many college presidents, Dr. Arnn actively teaches courses in history and philosophy, along with his presidential duties. Dr. Arnn highlights events leading to the Constitutional Convention, especially the conflict between Federalists who wanted a strong central government and Anti-Federalists who wanted much of the power to remain in the hands of the states. Dr. Arnn also discusses the importance of understanding the words and meaning of the Constitution and why some believe they are being violated in our time.
If you went back to the time more than two hundred thirty years ago when the Constitution was being written, you probably wouldn’t recognize the place at all. America in 1787 was very different than today. The song “Off to Philadelphia,” talks about rutted trails of mud instead of roads and traveling by horse and coach instead of cars and trains. What was it really like to live during those pivotal years? To talk about this, Judge Jim Gray, Professor Jo Ellen Chatham, and “The American”, Bijan Kian are joined by Dr. Bryan Santin, Associate Professor of English at Concordia University Irvine. Dr. Santin gives us a graphic description of what life was like in the 13 colonies that eventually made up the United States of America. Tune in and be ready to be taken back in time and gain a new appreciation of what it was like to be American when the Founders declared government to be based on “We the people.”
1This trailer episode introduces the entire project with numerous excerpts from each episode.
The United States of America is a perfect idea, but the United States of America is a work in progress. Our Founding Fathers, the people who were responsible for the birth of America, weren’t perfect. They were human beings who had personal flaws and vested interests. But what they was unprecedented. It was an experiment in democracy that enjoy today. Unfortunately, many Americans know and appreciate the history behind the creation of Sitting in Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed Judge Jim Gray, Professor Jo Ellen Chatham, and “The American”, Bijan Kian discuss the historical events leading up to the creation of the United States Constitution. Get a pen and notepad and learn the historical details of the story that Americans in and learn what it truly means to be American.
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