This mini documentary, produced by NBC, describes the Articles of Confederation, which suited the goals of the Americans when they were fighting for freedom from the monarchy. These documents, which favored state's rights over federal power, were inadequate after the Revolution when a strong central government became necessary.

To view the documentary, follow the link below and scroll down past "Thomas Paine and 'Common Sense'" and "Women in the American Revolution."

What political traditions did the Framers draw upon as they wrote the Constitution and what innovations did they introduce into the political life of the nation?

Dr. Carol Berkin of Baruch College speaks on the crisis the delegates to the Constitutional Convention believed their new nation was facing, the personalities and backgrounds of these delegates, and the main issues and ideals that shaped the Constitution these men created.

John Lloyd of California State Polytechnic University examines important documents in U.S. history, including the U.S. Constitution and documents related to abolitionism and nullification, in order to establish a context for the Civil War.

Idaho State University Political Science Professor David Gray Adler examines what he describes as the great constitutional crisis of the day: the usurpation and abdication of constitutional roles by President and Congress. Building his argument on the concerns of the Framers, Dr. Adler points to the endangerment to liberty posed by the erosion of checks and balances.

Audio and video options are available.

Patrick Manning, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of World History at the University of Pittsburgh seeks to widen Constitutional understanding by situating the Constitution's foundation in a global context. He urges listeners to consider social movements from around the world in the quest to understand ways in which the U.S. Constitution was both unique and representative of the era.

To listen to this lecture, select "Lecture Audio: Patriots, Revolution and Constitutions Presentation" under "Presentation Materials."

Professor Gordon Lloyd looks at the Constitutional Convention and the debate over what form the new government and its constitution should take. He examines the Virginia Plan, the revised Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Hamilton Proposal.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session four, and select the RealAudio text or image in the gray bar to the left of the main body text.

Eric Arnesen, Professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Chicago addresses the interplay between the African-American experience between Reconstruction and the Great Migration, the U.S. Constitution, and shifting democratic ideals.

Audio and video options are available.

Jack Rakove of Stanford University examines the creation and significance of the Bill of Rights, arguing that it is perhaps not as significant as popularly believed.

To listen to this lecture, select "The Bill of Rights" under "Listen to Dr. Rakove's lectures."