In 1783, as America emerged from a long and bitter war for independence, men like Thomas Jefferson saw the possibility of something new under the sun: a government which derived its just power from the consent of those governed. A convention was formed in Philadelphia, and after more than three months of passionate debate, conflict, and compromise, the United States Constitution was passed. It then went through a further series of refinements as the thirteen states debated the terms of its ratification. The US Constitution established a strong central government and also protected state sovereignty. But to say that something is of two parts is not to say that the parts are equal. Over and over, the delegates clashed over the rights and powers of these two parts. Slavery, a bill of rights, legislative representation--all the battles over these issues are enshrined in the language of the Constitution. This presentation will help you to fully appreciate the Constitution by better understanding the questions it sought to resolve. The United States Constitution Boxed Set includes: The Constitutional Convention The Ratification Debates The Text of the United States Constitution The Bill of Rights and Additional Amendments