Watch the following trailer of a “Constitutional Convention Movie.”

In 1787, the leaders of the Revolution returned to Philadelphia to address the problems of the Articles of Confederation and write a new Constitution. The war had brought newfound fame to some, especially Hamilton and Madison, while Washington and Jefferson’s reputations had skyrocketed. The leaders quickly learned that a consensus on the need for a new government did not mean a consensus on how it should be formed.

Click on the image to read the story of some major characters from the Constitutional Convention and contemplate their roles in a Constitution movie.

Activity

Just like in the previous section, you will cast a movie about the construction and ratification of the Constitution. However, we will not use “hero and villain” to classify the major roles, but “protagonist” and “antagonist.”

In a drama, the protagonist is the central character, who is opposed by the antagonist. We are using these terms because, unlike ”hero” and “villain,” they do not necessarily imply “right” and “wrong” or “good" and “evil.” Instead, the protagonists are those trying to get the Constitution ratified, while the antagonists oppose them.

The categories for this movie are Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Star Protagonist The central actor for the creation and ratification of the Constitution , Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Star Antagonist The major actor opposing the creation and ratification of the Constitution , Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Supporting Protagonist Other important actors who supported the creation and ratification of the Constitution , Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.Supporting Antagonist andOther important actors who opposed the creation and ratification of the Constitution,Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.Minor CharacterPeople who would have had little dialogue in the struggle to create and ratify the constitution
These people will have brief amounts of screen time, if any. Some may only be mentioned by the other actors and not actually seen. . (click on each to see a definition)

Once again, when the picture appears, drag it to the appropriate category.

Reflection

At the end of this movie, what do you think the relationship between Madison and Mason is? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.Click here At the end of the movie, they probably are frustrated with each other but pleased with the final outcome. The Bill of Rights strengthened the Constitution. for a possible answer.