This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces elements of state constitutions, like branches of power and checks and balances, that were eventually incorporated into the national constitution.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces how the American Revolution exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a new national constitution.

This iCue Mini-Documentary describes James Madison's promise to the states that if the U.S. Constitution was ratified, a Bill of Rights would be immediately added.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary describes the Independence Hall, PA, gathering of delegates from each of the states to revise the Articles of Confederation.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary describes the Constitutional Convention delegates' debates over state vs. federal power. Many were eager to avoid a tyranny.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces a major debate during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia which focused on the balance of power between the state and federal governments. Alexander Hamilton proposed to abolish the states.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces the Framers of the Constitution's decision to hold ratifying conventions for the state governments to approve the new document.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary describes the checks and balances of the Constitution that allow the three branches of government to keep each other in check. This system assures that no one branch becomes too powerful.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces the concern many states expressed during the ratification conventions that the new constitution did not contain a Bill of Rights.

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