Episode 50
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention?
Special Guests:
- Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia
- Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University and author of ‘Revolutionary America, 1763-1815’
Highlights from this episode:
(02:27) What do we mean by the Constitutional Convention?
(05:20) The Articles of Confederation
(14:16) A pretty short time to write an entire Constitution?
(17:36) The Bill of Rights and why they were inevitable
(23:41) Slavery and other Constitutional compromises
(30:37) Present day impact of the 1787 convention with Veep
(36:26) What will it take for another convention to happen?
Additional Resources:
BOOK: Revolutionary America, 1763-1815 by Frank Cogliano
WEBSITE: The Articles of Confederation
WEBSITE: National Constitution Center, Constitution Drafting Project
WEBSITE: National Constitutional Center Town Hall, The Constitutional Convention with David Rubenstein
VIDEO: Veep | Tied Election
And if you like this episode, you’ll also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com
Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
This episode is brought to you by Fletchy's Debut EP Tha Colossal Apostle
So much of America's cultural history, specifically the African American and black experience, has been defined and shaped by music, which is why you should check out the phenomenal new EP from Fletchy. His debut record is personal and powerful. I listened from start to finish, and I'm not your typical rap fan! Listen to Tha Colossal Apostle right now.
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
