American Constitutions and Origins
Discover the origins and evolution of the American Constitution, including the pre-revolutionary period, the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and the development of the Constitution with its points of contention, compromise, and the design of American government, as well as the amendment process and key constitutional changes.
Introduction to the American Constitution
The Pre-Revolutionary Period
Political Thought In The American Colonies
The American Revolution
The Articles of Confederation
Putting A New Government In Place
What Went Wrong With The Articles?
The Development of the Constitution
Points Of Contention
Compromise And The Constitutional Design Of American Government
The Great Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise And The Debates Over Slavery
Separation Of Powers And Checks And Balances
Federal Power Vs. State Power
The Ratification of the Constitution
The Ratification Process
The Ratification Campaign
Summary and Main Ideas
Constitutional Change
The Amendment Process
Key Constitutional Changes