| A More Perfect Union | |
|---|---|
 DVD and video cover | |
| Directed by | Peter N. Johnson |
| Screenplay by | Tim Slover |
| Produced by | Peter N. Johnson Nicholas J. Gasdik |
| Edited by | Peter G. Czerny |
| Music by | Kurt Bestor |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation is a 1989 American feature film dramatizing the events of theU.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787. The film was produced byBrigham Young University to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the drafting of theUnited 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]
The film depicts events surrounding creation of theUnited States Constitution, and is focused mainly onJames Madison, who wrote most of that document andtook extensive notes during the convention's discussions and proceedings.[2]
The period immediately following theAmerican 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 theArticles 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 ofGeorge Washington, and needed to show that a new government would be sufficient to address such challenges asShays' 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 asStates Rights Advocates or asAnti-Federalists, such asRoger Sherman andJohn Dickinson. Madison was in favor of abicameral congress, and envisioned each house being elected with seats allocated to states in proportion to population. 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.
The movie was filmed on location atIndependence Hall inPhiladelphia, inWilliamsburg, Virginia, and at other historical sites. Much of the film is shot from the viewpoint ofJames Madison, with the script being based primarily on his writings. These include the copious minutes he took during the Constitutional Convention, which were published after his death asNotes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787.
| United States Founding events |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Namesakes | ||
| Related | ||
