The Life and Constitutional Legacy of Gouverneur Morris

Dec 25, 2024

Guest

William Treanor

Join Melanie Miller, editor of the Gouverneur Morris Papers, Dennis Rasmussen, a political science professor and author, and William Treanor, dean of Georgetown Law Center, as they delve into the life of Gouverneur Morris. They explore his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, particularly the Preamble, and his bold stance against slavery. Discover Morris’s complex character, his advocacy for executive power, and his overlooked legacy amid America's founding figures. Plus, hear about his unique insights on liberty during the French Revolution.

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ANECDOTE

Gouverneur Morris: The Forgotten Founder

Gouverneur Morris, a peg-legged ladies' man, was arguably the most important founder few know.
He was known for his wit, influence at the Constitutional Convention, and authorship of the Constitution itself.

INSIGHT

Morris's Influence on the Constitution

Morris championed a strong executive and national government, influencing the Constitution's structure.
He mentored Hamilton and served as the model for Washington's statues.

INSIGHT

Morris's Character and Principles

Gouverneur Morris, though often vilified, offered insightful commentary on government and human nature.
Despite his affluent upbringing, he showed empathy and was disinterested in personal acclaim.

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The Federalist Papers

A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution

James Madison

Alexander Hamilton

John Jay

The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius.' These essays, published between October 1787 and May 1788, aimed to convince the public and political leaders to ratify the newly drafted US Constitution. The papers provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed federal system, arguing for a stronger central government and the adoption of the Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation. They discuss various aspects of republican government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties. Despite their primary goal of influencing New York's ratification vote, The Federalist Papers have become a seminal work in American political philosophy and a key resource for understanding the original intent of the Constitution's framers.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life. It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career. The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom. Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.

An incautious man

The Life of Gouveneur Morris

Melanie Randolph Miller

Fathers of the Constitution, Triumph, Tragedy, and the Creation of the American Republic

William Treanor

The Constitution’s Penman

Gouverneur Morris and the Creation of America’s Basic Charter

Dennis C. Rasmussen

Defense of the Constitutions

John Adams

Madison’s Hand

Mary Sarah Bilder

Fears of a Setting Sun

Dennis C. Rasmussen

Notes on the state of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson

Notes on the State of Virginia is a book written by Thomas Jefferson, begun in 1781 and updated in 1782 and 1783. It originated from his responses to questions about Virginia posed by François Barbé-Marbois. The book is divided into 23 chapters, or 'Queries,' covering various aspects of Virginia such as its boundaries, rivers, climate, population, and institutions. Jefferson also expounds on his views on slavery, education, religious freedom, representative government, and the separation of church and state. The work is significant for its detailed account of Virginia's resources and Jefferson's major philosophical and political beliefs[1][4][5].

The Life and Constitutional Legacy of Gouverneur Morris

Gouverneur Morris: The Forgotten Founder

Morris's Influence on the Constitution

Morris's Character and Principles

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