Constitution USA with Peter Sagal Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. A More Perfect Union

  • TV-PG
  • May 7, 2013
  • 52 min
  •   (5)

Constitution USA with Peter Sagal is a fascinating American television series that sheds light on the United States Constitution. It is hosted by Peter Sagal, who travels across the country and engages with various people to explore the Constitution's deep roots and discuss the frequently debated amendments. The conversation draws on the expertise of scholars, political leaders, and everyday citizens to educate people about the document's history.

Season 1 episode 1, titled "A More Perfect Union," is the opening episode that takes a closer look at the Constitution's Preamble. Host Peter Sagal questions and interacts with people of different backgrounds and fields to understand what the Preamble's lines mean to today's people. It is a compelling conversation that brings together the past and present scenarios of America, connecting them through one thread: the Constitution.

Peter Sagal begins by introducing himself and the series while walking in Independence, Missouri, known as the hometown of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. He highlights the importance of the Constitution and why he chose to create a series dedicated to it, "We are going to explore the Constitution in a way that I hope, by the end, you'll be surprised by what we've learned and proud of what we've got."

The episode's main focus is on the Preamble and how the words written in 1787, over two centuries ago, still hold significance for modern-day Americans. Peter Sagal travels to Boston, Massachusetts, to meet Ilan Wurman, an assistant professor of law at Arizona State University who has written books on the Constitution. After a brief conversation about the Preamble, Peter and Ilan visit the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time.

From there, Peter Sagal goes on a journey to explore the idea of liberty, justice, and welfare that the Preamble establishes as the basis of the Constitution. He meets with Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, who expresses his views on freedom of speech being one of the basic tenets of liberty. The show then takes a turn towards the understanding of welfare from the Preamble's perspective. Peter Sagal visits Bangor, Maine, to meet with a nurse, Denise Kennedy, who talks about the importance of providing for each other's welfare.

The show continues with an expert panel discussion that consists of legal scholars, historians, and judges who provide insight into the significance of the Preamble in American society. They discuss how the words 'We the People' hold deep meaning in American democracy and how every person is entitled to equal protection of law. Legal scholar Akhil Reed Amar remarks, "The Constitution is more than just a legal document. It's a sacred text, arguably the most sacred text of our civic religion."

Towards the end of the episode, Peter Sagal focuses on the Constitution's future and how the Preamble can continue to serve as a foundation for America. He meets with college students and young activists in a roundtable discussion where they debate the Preamble's relevance and how America can ensure a more perfect union in the future.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of Constitution USA with Peter Sagal is an intriguing exploration of the Preamble and how it is still relevant in today's America. From scholarly debates to personal perspectives, the show captures the essence of the document and raises thought-provoking questions about America's future.

Description
Watch Constitution USA with Peter Sagal - A More Perfect Union (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Constitution USA with Peter Sagal, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent Constitution USA with Peter Sagal on demand at Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    May 7, 2013
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    52 min
  • Language
    English