Uploaded February 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
The Constitution as Fulfillment of the American Revolution, by Professor Jack N. Rakove. This short video challenges the notion that the Constitution was a conservative reaction to the democratic ideals promoted by the American Revolution. The Revolution generated constitutional discussion in the states, where legislators explored the nature of executive power, the characteristics of bicameral legislatures, and other constitutional questions. In light of this constitutional innovation, Professor Jack N. Rakove maintains that the Constitution of 1787 was the culmination of—not a reaction to—the Revolution of the late 1770’s.
Professor Jack N. Rakove is the W.R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies and professor of political science at Stanford University. Professor Rakove was awarded the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book, "Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution."
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
The Constitution as Fulfillment of the American Revolution, by Professor Jack N. Rakove. This short video challenges the notion that the Constitution was a conservative reaction to the democratic ideals promoted by the American Revolution. The Revolution generated constitutional discussion in the states, where legislators explored the nature of executive power, the characteristics of bicameral legislatures, and other constitutional questions. In light of this constitutional innovation, Professor Jack N. Rakove maintains that the Constitution of 1787 was the culmination of—not a reaction to—the Revolution of the late 1770’s.
Professor Jack N. Rakove is the W.R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies and professor of political science at Stanford University. Professor Rakove was awarded the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book, "Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution."
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
