A More Perfect Union: The Constitution

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George Washington and the Making of the Constitution

This page provides resources on the making of the Constitution. It largely relies on A More Perfect Union, a 21 minute film that covers the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the ratification process. Use these resources to view the film, learn more about the journey towards our modern-day government, and find incredible source materials! 

Watch the Full Film

Click to watch the full film of A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution.

Constitution Quizzes

Watch the video A More Perfect Union, then test your knowledge of the Constitution.

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Interactive Map

Use this link to access an interactive map showing the Constitution ratification process.

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Constitutional Convention Statistics

President of the Convention: George Washington
Number of delegates who attended the convention: 55
Number of delegates who signed the Constitution: 39
End: September 17, 1789

Presiding Over the Convention: The Indispensable Man

Rising above conflicts between individual states, Washington created an atmosphere that allowed convention members to reach the compromises necessary to create a bold, new government.

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Key Issues at the Convention

The new nation was hanging on by a thread with a weak Articles of Confederation and growing conflicts between the states.  Without resolution on these issues, the new nation would certainly be in peril.

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Primary Source: The Constitution

The Constitution was created through the Constitutional Convention, which met in May of 1787. Thirteen states voted to ratify by 1790, and the Constitution was enacted as law.

Explore the Constitution

Primary Source: The Bill of Rights

Many delegates refused to ratify the new Constitution unless there was a document outlining certain undeniable rights. Explore the primary source document of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution - also known as the Bill of Rights 

Explore the Bill of Rights

Primary Source: Acts of Congress

George Washington's original copy of the Acts passed at a Congress of the United States of America (New York, 1789) contains the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and a record of acts passed by the first Congress. In the margins of four separate pages, Washington wrote the words "President," "Powers," and "Required," highlighting the responsibilities of his new role.

See the Acts of Congress

Educational Videos

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Watch A More Perfect Union

Learn how George Washington successfully led the creation of a new form of government!

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