On this episode of Our American Stories when the Constitutional Convention opened in the United States was less than a decade old and already struggling The Articles of Confederation had created a loose union of states with a Congress that lacked the power to tax enforce laws or stabilize the economy By many leaders believed the country could not continue as it was The men who met in Philadelphia were not unanimous in their views but they shared a belief that reform was necessary What began as a plan to amend the existing system became an effort to draft an [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories The American Revolution had created an independent country It had not yet created a government capable of holding that country together Under the Articles of Confederation Congress struggled to raise money regulate commerce enforce its decisions or settle disputes among the states By the s George Washington James Madison Alexander Hamilton and others feared the young republic might not survive unless something changed Larry P Arnn president of Hillsdale College and author of The Founders' Key shares the story of how that crisis led delegates to Philadelphia in intending to repair the Articles [... more]

The story of the Constitution's creation is a testament to the power of human collaboration and perseverance. In 1787, a group of visionaries, including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin, came together in Philadelphia to draft a document that would shape the future of the United States. Despite the challenges they faced, including debt, crop failures, and internal conflicts, they worked tirelessly to create a framework for a new nation, one that would balance power, promote education, and protect individual rights. Their legacy continues to inspire us today, reminding us of the importance of learning from the past and striving for a better future. [... more]

John Hanson, often overlooked in American history, was the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, serving from 1781 to 1782. He played a crucial role in the country's early years, including the ratification of the Articles of Confederation and the creation of the first national government. Hanson's life and presidency are a fascinating chapter in American history, one that is often forgotten in favor of his more famous counterpart, George Washington. [... more]

When the framers drafted the Constitution, they designed it to manage conflict by creating a system of representation that balances the interests of different entities and allows for the free play of perspectives. The Constitution's structure, with its separation of powers and enumerated powers, is intended to inhibit governments from doing rash and foolish things and to provide a mechanism for conflicts to be negotiated and channeled for the greater good of the public. [... more]

The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia aimed to create a government that would last, with John Adams' essay, Thoughts on Government, influencing the framers' thinking. The federal system was developed to reconcile unity and diversity, with power distributed widely. The Constitution introduced enumerated powers, separation of powers, and a diffusion of power to channel human nature for the public good. [... more]

Professor Bill McClay from Hillsdale College delves into the complexities of the American Revolution, exploring the themes of home rule, virtuous citizens, and the concentration of power. He discusses the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance, and the need for a Constitutional Convention to reform the government and ensure the nation's future. [... more]

The story of the American Revolution and the journey from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution is one of the most remarkable stories in human history. Dr. Larry Horn and Monty Montgomery discuss how the United States governing document was the Articles of Confederation, which left the states in near total power, but was failing and needed to be revised. They explore how George Washington's leadership and Madison's reasoning helped bring about a better rule of law through example and the creation of the Constitution. [... more]

John Hanson, often overlooked in American history, was the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, serving from 1781 to 1782. He played a crucial role in the early years of the American Revolution and was a key figure in the creation of the Articles of Confederation, which established a new national government for the United States. Hanson's presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the lack of executive power and the difficulties of governing a newly independent nation. [... more]

John Hanson, often overlooked as the first president of the United States, led a remarkable life as a patriot, merchant, and leader in the American Revolution. His story sheds light on the early years of the country and the challenges of the Articles of Confederation, which paved the way for the United States Constitution. [... more]

The American Revolution was a civil war that required the active support of the people, appealing to common man, and was not an elite movement. The founders were concerned about a concentration of power and wanted to keep it in the states. They adopted the Articles of Confederation, which stated that states are sovereign and every power, jurisdiction, and right not delegated to the United States is retained by the states. The Northwest Ordinance was a significant achievement, abolishing primogeniture and establishing a method for the creation of new states on equal terms. [... more]

The story of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States Constitution is one of remarkable transformation, from the democratic system of government under the British Crown to the birth of a new nation. Dr. Larry Harn and Monty Montgomery share the tale of how the Articles of Confederation failed, leading to the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a new governing document. George Washington's leadership and Madison's reasoning played crucial roles in shaping the Constitution and establishing a strong executive branch. [... more]