Topic #3 Confederation to Constitution

A Brilliant Solution: In May 1787, our Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia to create a new American constitution. Some have referred to it as a "brilliant solution." Talking History's Fred Nielsen discusses the "brilliant solution" with Carol Berkin, professor of history at Baruch College and the City University of New York., and the author of A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution. Airdate: April 4, 2005.


Founder's Series: Federalism - Talking History's Bryan Le Beau begins a four week series on The Founders and the Constitution, with an interview with David Marion. They discuss his essay on Federalism. The Founders and the Constitution series is a collaborative effort with the Bill of Rights Institute. Airdate: September 27, 2004.

Founder's Series: Slavery - Robert McDonald, author of the essay on slavery contributes to the Founders and the Constitution series. Robert McDonald is professor of history at West Point Military Academy. Airdate: October 4, 2004.

Founder's Series: Freedom of Religion - Stephen Klugewicz discusses Freedom of Religion and its role, with host, Bryan Le Beau. Stephen Klugewicz is Executive Director of Collegiate Network. Airdate: October 11, 2004.

Founder's Series: Commerce - Bryan Le Beau is joined by Craig Yirush. They examine the relationship between commerce and republican government. Craig Yirush is professor of history at UCLA. Airdate: October 18, 2004

Founders Series:Liberty Bryan Le Beau concludes the series with an interview with Craig Yirush on the notion of liberty as a guiding principle for the Founding Fathers and on the life of George Mason. Yirush is a professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles. Airdate: May 16, 2005.

Republican Government: Founders and the Constitution Series, Part II - Stephen Klugewicz rejoins host Bryan Le Beau to discuss Republican Government. The eight week series, the first part of which aired in Fall 2004 is a collaborative effort with The Bill of Rights Institute. Stephen Klugewicz is Executive Director of The Collegiate Network. Airdate: April 25, 2005.

Limited Government: Founders and the Constitution Series, Part II - We continue our series produced in collaboration with the Bill of Rights Institute on The Founders and the Constitution. This week David Marion discusses the concept of Limited Government with host Bryan Le Beau and comments on the life of James Madison. Marion is Elliot Professor of Political Science at Hampden-Sydney College and Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest. Airdate: May 2, 2005.

Washington’s Slaves - This week Talking History’s Fred Nielsen discusses the complex story of George Washington, and his action of granting freedom to his slaves, with Henry Wiencek, author of An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America. Wiencek’s previous book, The Hairstons: An American Family in Black and White, received the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1999.

Alexander Hamilton - This week, Bryan Le Beau is joined by Ron Chernow, whose biography of Alexander Hamilton has gained widespread acclaim. Their conversation reveals not only the familiar highs and lows of Hamilton’s life but its depth and breadth. Airdate: October 3, 2005.