This stimulating educational film provides students with a startling account of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that focuses on one individual’s opposition to the United States Constitution. Founding father Luther Martin, the delegate from Maryland, speaks out vehemently against ideas presented that summer in Philadelphia, but are nevertheless incorporated into the United States Constitution.
Narrators include historians, authors, and a constitutional law professor; all are well versed in the history of the time period and describe Martin’s objections to the proposed constitution. The use of humorous animated cartoons, historical documents, and film clips add variety to the story. The Articles of Incorporation, which were in effect following the Revolutionary War, was a democratic document allowing for many individual and state freedoms.
However, some founding fathers felt there was too much democracy and wanted to form a more central government that could address post-war concerns: foreign relations, trade, currency, and taxation. When a constitutional convention is called for in 1787, delegates are asked to come from each of the thirteen colonies, and, Luther Martin travels to Philadelphia to represent Maryland. Martin is under the impression that the convention is being held with the intention of modifying the Articles of Incorporation. Soon, he finds out the real intention is to draft a new constitution and do so in secret.
At the time, each state could tax its citizens, print money, and provide for a state militia; the states were not required to support each other. During the heated discussions of that summer, the founders debate whether to create a central government that could tax its citizens, print money, and establish a standing army. Martin opposes taxation—fearing unlimited power would be given to the central government. He is suspicious of a new American empire, and fiercely opposes the continuation of the slave trade and the three/fifths clause on representation.
Martin feels only modest revisions are needed to the Articles of Confederation and that “power should be given sparingly” and “only for what was necessary." Martin becomes known as an Anti-Federalist, as the pro-central government advocates claim the name Federalists for themselves. After the convention, the Federalists make a strong case for ratifying the constitution and convince states that amendments could be proposed later. When Maryland’s delegation meets to debate and vote on ratification, Martin has laryngitis and does not speak!
Confounding Father looks at the warnings made by Martin and other Anti-Federalists: expansion of the federal government, a large standing army that operates overseas, a National Guard that can be federalized and sent to other states, and a continuing fight for rights for African Americans. Martin’s ideas could be used to examine the state of today’s federal government and lead to interesting classroom discussions. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P.