A More Perfect Union Movie Answer Key

The film "A More Perfect Union" masterfully portrays the historical events surrounding the Constitutional Convention of 1787, offering viewers a glimpse into the intense debates, compromises, and personalities that shaped the foundation of the United States. Understanding the nuances of the film requires a careful examination of its key themes, historical accuracy, and the motivations of its characters. This exploration provides an "answer key," not in the sense of a simple right or wrong, but as a guide to deepen comprehension and stimulate critical thinking about this pivotal moment in American history.

The Genesis of the Convention: Addressing the Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

The film opens by highlighting the critical flaws of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the newly independent United States. Under the Articles, the states retained considerable autonomy, leading to a weak central government unable to effectively address national challenges. Key issues included:

• Lack of a National Currency: Each state printed its own money, leading to economic instability and hindering interstate trade.
• Inability to Regulate Commerce: The central government lacked the power to regulate trade between states or with foreign nations, leading to trade wars and economic inefficiency.
• Absence of a National Military: The government's inability to raise a national army made it difficult to defend the nation's borders and quell internal unrest, as demonstrated by Shays' Rebellion.
• Unanimous Consent for Amendments: The requirement for unanimous consent to amend the Articles made it virtually impossible to adapt the government to changing circumstances.

These weaknesses created a sense of crisis among nationalist leaders like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who recognized the urgent need for a stronger, more effective federal government. The film effectively showcases their determination to address these issues, setting the stage for the Constitutional Convention.

Key Figures and Their Ideologies: A Clash of Visions

"A More Perfect Union" brings to life the diverse personalities and ideologies of the Founding Fathers, each with their own vision for the future of the nation. Understanding their motivations and perspectives is crucial to comprehending the debates and compromises that unfolded at the Convention:

• James Madison: Often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," Madison arrived at the Convention with a detailed plan for a strong national government, known as the Virginia Plan. He believed in a system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny and advocated for proportional representation based on population.
• Alexander Hamilton: A staunch Federalist, Hamilton favored a highly centralized government with a powerful executive branch. He believed in a national bank and a strong commercial economy. His views were often considered more aristocratic than those of other delegates.
• George Washington: As the president of the Convention, Washington lent his prestige and authority to the proceedings. His support for a strong national government was crucial in gaining the trust of the delegates and the public.
• Benjamin Franklin: The elder statesman of the Convention, Franklin served as a voice of reason and compromise. His wit and wisdom helped to bridge divides between opposing factions.
• Roger Sherman: Representing Connecticut, Sherman proposed the Connecticut Compromise (also known as the Great Compromise), which resolved the dispute over representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
• George Mason: A delegate from Virginia, Mason was a strong advocate for individual rights and opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. His concerns ultimately led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.

The film skillfully portrays the clashes between these figures, highlighting the fundamental disagreements over the nature of government, the balance of power between the states and the federal government, and the protection of individual liberties.

The Virginia Plan vs. The New Jersey Plan: A Battle for Representation

One of the central conflicts at the Constitutional Convention revolved around the issue of representation in the national legislature. The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, advocated for proportional representation based on population, which would favor larger states. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan, supported by smaller states, called for equal representation for each state, regardless of population.

• The Virginia Plan: Proposed a bicameral legislature with both houses based on proportional representation. It also called for a strong national executive and judiciary.
• The New Jersey Plan: Proposed a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote. It also called for a weaker executive and judiciary.

The debate over these competing plans threatened to derail the Convention. Smaller states feared being dominated by larger states, while larger states believed they deserved greater influence based on their population and economic contributions. The film vividly portrays the intensity of this debate and the potential for the Convention to dissolve in failure.

The Great Compromise: Finding Common Ground

The deadlock over representation was eventually broken by the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman. This compromise created a bicameral legislature consisting of:

• The House of Representatives: Representation based on population, satisfying the demands of larger states.
• The Senate: Equal representation for each state, with two senators per state, satisfying the concerns of smaller states.

The Great Compromise was a pivotal moment in the Convention, demonstrating the willingness of the delegates to find common ground and compromise on fundamental issues. The film effectively captures the significance of this compromise in preserving the unity of the Convention and paving the way for the creation of the Constitution.

The Issue of Slavery: A Moral and Political Dilemma

The issue of slavery was a deeply divisive and morally complex challenge facing the Founding Fathers. While many delegates recognized the injustice of slavery, they also understood that any attempt to abolish it immediately would likely lead to the dissolution of the Union. The film confronts this difficult issue head-on, highlighting the compromises made to preserve national unity.

• The Three-Fifths Compromise: Determined that enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation. This compromise gave Southern states more representation in the House of Representatives but also increased their tax burden.
• The Fugitive Slave Clause: Required that enslaved people who escaped to free states be returned to their owners. This clause further entrenched the institution of slavery in the Constitution.
• The Slave Trade Clause: Prohibited Congress from banning the importation of slaves until 1808. This clause allowed the slave trade to continue for another 20 years.

These compromises, while morally problematic, were seen as necessary to secure the support of Southern states for the Constitution. The film does not shy away from portraying the moral compromises made by the Founding Fathers, raising important questions about the legacy of slavery in American history.

The Fight for Ratification: Selling the Constitution to the People

After the Constitution was drafted, it had to be ratified by at least nine of the thirteen states to go into effect. This process was far from guaranteed, as many Americans were skeptical of a strong central government and feared the loss of states' rights. The film depicts the intense debates between Federalists, who supported the Constitution, and Anti-Federalists, who opposed it.

• Federalists: Advocated for the ratification of the Constitution, arguing that a strong national government was necessary to ensure stability and prosperity. Key Federalists included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, who wrote the Federalist Papers to defend the Constitution.
• Anti-Federalists: Opposed the ratification of the Constitution, fearing that it would lead to tyranny and the erosion of individual liberties. Key Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Richard Henry Lee.

The Anti-Federalists raised concerns about the lack of a bill of rights to protect individual freedoms and the potential for the national government to become too powerful. To address these concerns, the Federalists promised to add a bill of rights to the Constitution after ratification.

The Bill of Rights: Guaranteeing Individual Liberties

The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added in 1791 to protect individual liberties and address the concerns of the Anti-Federalists. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights such as:

• Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition: The First Amendment protects these essential freedoms from government interference.
• The Right to Bear Arms: The Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms.
• Protection Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unwarranted government intrusion.
• The Right to Due Process and a Fair Trial: The Fifth and Sixth Amendments guarantee these rights to those accused of crimes.
• Protection Against Cruel and Unusual Punishment: The Eighth Amendment prohibits the government from inflicting excessive punishment.

The inclusion of the Bill of Rights was crucial in securing the support of the Anti-Federalists and ensuring the widespread acceptance of the Constitution. The film highlights the importance of these amendments in safeguarding individual liberties and limiting the power of the government.

Key Themes and Lasting Significance

"A More Perfect Union" explores several key themes that remain relevant today:

• Compromise and Negotiation: The film demonstrates the importance of compromise and negotiation in resolving political disputes and building consensus. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention had to overcome significant differences to create a document that could unite the nation.
• The Balance of Power: The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This principle is essential to preserving liberty and preventing tyranny.
• The Enduring Debate Over Federalism: The film highlights the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the federal government and the states. This debate continues to shape American politics today.
• The Struggle for Equality and Justice: The film acknowledges the moral compromises made by the Founding Fathers regarding slavery and the exclusion of women and other groups from full participation in the political process. The struggle for equality and justice remains a central theme in American history.

The film's lasting significance lies in its ability to bring to life the historical events surrounding the Constitutional Convention and to highlight the enduring challenges and compromises that shaped the United States. By understanding the complexities of this pivotal moment in American history, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the Constitution and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the main purpose of the movie "A More Perfect Union"?

  The main purpose of the movie is to depict the events and debates that occurred during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, showcasing the challenges, compromises, and personalities involved in creating the United States Constitution.

• Who are some of the key figures portrayed in the movie?

  Key figures portrayed in the movie include James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and George Mason.

• What were the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that led to the Constitutional Convention?

  The main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation included a lack of a national currency, an inability to regulate commerce, the absence of a national military, and the requirement for unanimous consent to amend the Articles.

• What was the Virginia Plan and how did it differ from the New Jersey Plan?

  The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states. The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population.

• What was the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) and how did it resolve the dispute over representation?

  The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives, with representation based on population, and the Senate, with equal representation for each state.

• How did the issue of slavery affect the Constitutional Convention?

  The issue of slavery was a deeply divisive challenge, resulting in compromises such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, the Fugitive Slave Clause, and the Slave Trade Clause, which allowed the slave trade to continue for another 20 years.

• What were the Federalist Papers and why were they important?

  The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to defend the Constitution and persuade the states to ratify it.

• What is the Bill of Rights and why was it added to the Constitution?

  The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties to individuals. It was added to address the concerns of the Anti-Federalists and secure the widespread acceptance of the Constitution.

• What are some of the key themes explored in the movie "A More Perfect Union"?

  Key themes explored in the movie include compromise and negotiation, the balance of power, the enduring debate over federalism, and the struggle for equality and justice.

• Why is the movie "A More Perfect Union" still relevant today?

  The movie is still relevant today because it provides insights into the historical events that shaped the United States and highlights the enduring challenges and compromises that continue to influence American politics.

Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future

"A More Perfect Union" offers a compelling and insightful portrayal of the Constitutional Convention, highlighting the challenges, compromises, and enduring debates that shaped the foundation of the United States. By examining the key figures, ideologies, and events depicted in the film, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its relevance to contemporary issues. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of compromise, negotiation, and the protection of individual liberties in building a more perfect union. The complexities and imperfections of the process, including the compromises made regarding slavery, serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for progress towards a more just and equitable society.