We the People The Life and Constitutional Legacy of Gouverneur Morris
Dec 25, 2024
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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Architect of the Presidency
- Morris played a key role in shaping the presidency, advocating for an Electoral College.
- He preferred direct popular election but proposed the Electoral College as a compromise.
Morris: The Dishonest Scrivener
- Morris, a skilled lawyer, significantly altered the Constitution's text, advancing his vision.
- He subtly strengthened the executive, national government, and the fight against slavery.
Morris's Abolitionist Actions
- Though from a slave-owning family, Morris actively opposed slavery, freeing any slaves he bought.
- He advocated for abolition in the New York State Constitution and highlighted slavery's economic damage.
