Constitutional Convention

Walter Cronkite

ISBN 10: 093893581X ISBN 13: 9780938935810

Publisher: Knowledge Products, 1992

In 1783, America emerged from a long and bitter war for Independence. The thirteen colonies were now thirteen sovereign states, bound together by the Articles of Confederation. After years of war, men like Thomas Jefferson saw the possibility of something new under the sun: a government which derived its just power from the consent of those governed. But the Continental Congress was bankrupt from the war, and many of the thirteen states refused to contribute money or to cooperate with each other.

In May, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to attend a convention. After more than three months of passionate debate, conflict, and compromise, the United States Constitution was passed, establishing a national government. But to become the law of the land, the Constitution had to be independently ratified by at least nine of the thirteen states.

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About the Author:

George H. Smith is an author, editor, educator, and speaker. His first book was the very popular Atheism: The Case against God. Smith began teaching in the 1970s and for nearly twenty years spent his summers instructing university students in political philosophy and American political and intellectual history at seminars sponsored by the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies. His many articles and book reviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, including Reason, the New York Times, and the Journal of Libertarian Studies.

From AudioFile:

Walter Cronkite and popular history: what more could one want? The famous newscaster's voice is as compelling as ever as he describes the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The tape has "you-are-there" quality and "can't-put-it-down" impact. Actors play the major characters--Madison, the Morrises, Adams, Washington and many others--while Cronkite narrates the action. The issues of the day come alive in a wonderfully scripted presentation. The listener is left with vivid memories of the topics and men. This is a fine product for the adult commuter. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

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