Watch Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution

2020
1 Season

Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution is an informative and thought-provoking documentary that challenges the traditional view of the Constitution and its framers. Produced by Nerds Make Media, LLC and starring historian Gordon Wood and civil rights attorney Gloria Browne-Marshall, this show explores the contradictions and complexities of the Constitution and the people who created it.

The show starts with a brief historical background of the Constitutional Convention, where the framers gathered to draft the Constitution in 1787. While many people view the framers as enlightened individuals who paved the way for democracy, the show argues that they were flawed individuals who created a deeply flawed document. The show posits that the Constitution was in many ways a compromise between competing factions, and as such, it was full of ambiguities and contradictions.

Throughout the show, Gordon Wood and Gloria Browne-Marshall engage in a lively debate about the Constitution and its framers. Gordon Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, argues that the Constitution was a remarkable document that laid the foundation for American democracy. He argues that the framers were enlightened thinkers who were deeply committed to the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and the rule of law.

On the other hand, Gloria Browne-Marshall, a civil rights attorney and professor of constitutional law, argues that the Constitution was deeply flawed from its inception. She argues that while the framers may have been enlightened thinkers, they were also slaveholders who had a limited vision of democracy. She argues that the Constitution was designed to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful, and as such, it has failed to live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.

Throughout the show, Gordon Wood and Gloria Browne-Marshall provide a fascinating and nuanced perspective on the Constitution and its framers. They explore controversial topics such as slavery, the Electoral College, and the limits of executive power. They also examine the challenges facing the Constitution today, including issues such as income inequality and racial injustice.

One of the strengths of Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution is its ability to break down complex legal and historical issues in a way that is accessible to a broad audience. The show uses a variety of visual aids, including historical footage, animations, and diagrams, to help viewers understand the legal and historical principles at stake.

Overall, Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that challenges viewers to think critically about the Constitution and its founders. It provides a fresh perspective on a topic that is often presented in a simplistic and one-dimensional way. Whether you are a student of history, a civil rights activist, or just someone who is interested in understanding the principles that underpin our democracy, this show is a must-watch.

Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between July 4, 2020 and on Nerds Make Media

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4. Ratification, Bill of Rights, Constitution in the 21st Century & Epilogue

July 4, 2020

The ratification battle still echoes in American politics - Luther Martin published & spoke vehemently against the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights was a concession to opponents & not favored by many famous Founders. The U.S. Constitution has become more democratic & thus upends the original intention of the framers, but does it still primarily protect white elites? Epilogue on Luther Martin.

3. Congress & Taxes, Domestic Tranquility, the Executive & Standing Armies, & the Convention Ends

July 4, 2020

Many framers wanted to give congress nearly unlimited taxing authority. The powers of the executive branch are left surprisingly vague. Many antifederalists opposed a peacetime army. "Ensure domestic tranquility" is a euphemism for putting down rebellions. Many Americans were shocked by the power of the new national government; they had expected only a revised Articles of Confederation.

2. Luther Martin's Objections, What's an Anti-federalist? Compromises & "Other Person"

July 4, 2024

Arriving late to Philadelphia, Luther Martin makes a two day speech against the Virginia Plan; he has been vilified ever since. Who were the "Anti-federalists" and what were their objections? Textbooks & many historians celebrate the compromises that created our structure of government. But many compromises were ugly & unfortunate - the multiple protections for slavery are highlighted here.

1. Articles of Confederation, the Convention Begins, Virginia Plan & New Jersey Plan

July 4, 2020

The Articles of Confederation was an alliance, not a government. Frightened with how democratic the state legislatures had become, a group of elites gather in Philadelphia to create a powerful government to protect their interests. The Virginia Plan seeks a President elected for life and veto power over state laws. Maryland delegate Luther Martin & a few others counter with the New Jersey Plan.

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Where to Watch Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution

Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution is available for streaming on the Nerds Make Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution on demand at Amazon.