Policy Wonks - Tom Campbell

Becoming America: The Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention was by no means a smooth proceeding. The delegates represented a wide array of interests and opinions and argued about almost every provision before coming to a near-unanimous conclusion before the Convention adjourned. Among the most hotly contested issues were the relationship between the states and the new national government and the powers assigned to the three branches of the national government. In addition, what checks and balances would be included to limit the powers of government? Judge Jim Gray, Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham and Bijan Kian are joined again by former Congressman Tom Campbell, this time to discuss checks and balances as well as how they have been ignored or violated at various times in our history. Tune in for a great tour back in time and learn how the Founders tried to limit the power of government through what we call separation of powers and checks and balances.