Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution

Watch Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution

  • 1987
  • 1 Season

Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution is a fascinating documentary series exploring the intricacies and complexities of the United States Constitution. The series is the brainchild of veteran journalist and political commentator Bill Moyers, who hosts the program and guides viewers through a journey that spans the entire history of the document, including its creation, its interpretation, and its relevance to modern-day America.

The series is broken up into ten episodes, with each episode focusing on a different aspect of the Constitution. Over the course of the series, Moyers delves into the debates that took place during the Constitutional Convention and provides insight into the various compromises and negotiations that went into creating the document. He explains how the Constitution became the foundation of American democracy and how it has been interpreted and reinterpreted by various branches of government over the course of history.

Throughout the series, Moyers interviews many leading constitutional scholars, judges, lawyers, and politicians who provide their own unique perspectives on the document. These experts provide viewers with a wealth of knowledge about the Constitution and help shed light on some of the most pressing constitutional issues of our time, including the rights of citizens, the separation of powers, and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution.

One of the most striking aspects of Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution is the way it treats the document as a living, breathing entity that constantly evolves and changes with the times. Moyers makes it clear that the Constitution is not a fixed set of rules that can never be altered, but rather a dynamic framework that must adapt to the changing needs of society.

The series also explores some of the darker moments in American history, such as the Civil War and the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s. Moyers examines how the Constitution was used to justify slavery and segregation, as well as how it has been invoked to protect the rights of African Americans, women, and LGBTQ communities.

Despite its weighty subject matter, Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution manages to be engaging, entertaining, and accessible. Moyers is a charismatic host who knows how to explain complex ideas in a way that is easy for viewers to understand. The series is also beautifully shot and edited, with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and stunning aerial views of some of America's most iconic landmarks.

Overall, Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution is a thought-provoking and illuminating series that will appeal to anyone interested in American history, politics, or law. Whether you are a constitutional scholar or simply a curious citizen, this series is sure to deepen your knowledge and understanding of one of the most important documents in American history.

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Seasons
Justice Lewis Powell, Jr.
11. Justice Lewis Powell, Jr.
April 16, 1987
Associate Justice Lewis Powell, Jr. discusses the principles involved in some of his most controversial cases, including those dealing with executive privilege, corporal punishment, and affirmative action.
1987 vs. the Constitution
10. 1987 vs. the Constitution
April 16, 1987
In interviews with experts and ordinary citizens, Bill Moyers explores the constitutional implications of workplace drug-testing, computer privacy, and executive power.
We the People
9. We the People
April 16, 1987
Ordinary citizens reveal the rewards--and personal perils--of defending their rights to privacy, freedom of conscience, and church-state separation before the Supreme Court.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
8. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
April 16, 1987
In her first televised interview, the first female Supreme Court justice tells of her journey from a cattle ranch to the High Court and what makes a case challenging.
Strictly Speaking
7. Strictly Speaking
April 16, 1987
Attorney General Edwin Meese and federal judge Robert Bork--both outspoken strict constructionists--discuss judicial restraint and original intent.
God and the Constitution
6. God and the Constitution
April 16, 1987
Religious historians Martin E. Marty and Leonard Levy offer their views on the meaning and impact of the establishment clause.
Ronald Dworkin: The Changing Story
5. Ronald Dworkin: The Changing Story
April 16, 1987
According to scholar Ronald Dworkin, the Constitution shapes the public debate over issues such as AIDS prevention, pornography, and racial discrimination.
Mr. Justice Brennan
4. Mr. Justice Brennan
April 16, 1987
Associate Justice William J. Brennan explains how the Supreme Court wrangles with abstract concepts such as dignity, privacy, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Mortimer Adler: Teaching the Constitution
3. Mortimer Adler: Teaching the Constitution
April 16, 1987
Engaging in a Socratic dialogue with students at St. John's College in Annapolis, philosopher and educator Mortimer Adler offers insights in "America's testament."
Mr. Justice Blackmun
2. Mr. Justice Blackmun
April 16, 1987
Associate Justice Harold A. Blackmun discusses the Constitution's relevance to every American's daily life in issues ranging from baseball to abortion.
In the Beginning
1. In the Beginning
April 16, 1987
Historians Forrest McDonald, Michael Kammen, and Olive Taylor go behind the Constitutional Convention's closed doors to reveal the framers' values and assumptions.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 16, 1987