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.