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1989 American film
A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation
is a 1989 American feature film dramatizing the events of the 1787
Constitutional Convention
. The film was produced by
Brigham Young University
to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the drafting of the
United States Constitution
, and many professors from BYU's School of Fine Arts and Communications were involved in its production either as actors or in other capacities. After its release, the film was officially recognized by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution as "of exceptional merit".
[1]
Plot summary
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The film depicts events surrounding creation of the
United States Constitution
, and is focused mainly on
James Madison
, who wrote most of that document and
took extensive notes
during the convention's discussions and proceedings.
[2]
The period immediately following the
American Revolutionary War
was marked by intense political unrest, owing to huge debts, the interruption of trade and business, shortages of labor, and personal turmoils, all created by the War. It soon became evident that the
Articles of Confederation
were insufficient to address the country's needs. A movement soon emerged to upgrade or replace the Articles, and Madison was foremost in the movement. However, he needed the support of
George Washington
, and needed to show that a new government would be sufficient to address such challenges as
Shays' Rebellion
and the growing trade problems between the independent States.
Madison was strongly opposed by those who feared a strong central government, people known either as
States Rights Advocates
or as
Anti-Federalists
, such as
Roger Sherman
and
John Dickinson
. Madison was in favor of a
bicameral congress
, but envisioned both houses being elected according to
proportional representation
. In this he was opposed by the States Rights Advocates, and he eventually accepted the compromises necessary to address their concerns. The film highlights the basis for these compromises.
The film also depicts the convention delegates' debate about the slave trade.
Cast
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Production notes
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The movie was filmed on location at
Independence Hall
in Philadelphia, in
Williamsburg, Virginia
, and at other historical sites. Much of the film is shot from the viewpoint of
James Madison
, with the script being based primarily on his writings. These include the copious minutes he took during the Constitutional Convention, which were published as
Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787
.
See also
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References
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Articles
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Amendments
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Formation
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Clauses
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Interpretation
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Signatories
| Convention President
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New Hampshire
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Massachusetts
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Connecticut
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New York
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New Jersey
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Pennsylvania
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Delaware
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Maryland
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Virginia
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North Carolina
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South Carolina
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Georgia
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Convention Secretary
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Related
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Display
and legacy
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Founding of the
United States
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Inventions,
other events
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Writings
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Legacy
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Related
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Family
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