The Making of the Constitution

Fifty-five men from 12 virtually autonomous states came to Philadelphia in 1787 in a brave – some thought foolhardy – attempt to replace a loose and fragile confederation with a strong national government. They were politicians, judges, governors, and Revolutionary War veterans. Thomas Jefferson called them "demigods." For a long, hot summer they debated, argued, and compromised. In the end, they carved out a bold new document designed to "secure the blessings of liberty" for Americans. Their achievement became a standard of enlightenment the world over. Here is New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming's dramatic account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and its astonishing triumph.