An Empire of Reason

The story

Docudrama about the debate surrounding New York State's ratification of the United States Constitution. Historical figures wear modern dress and use familiar language to help today's audience understand firsthand the forces that shaped this country two hundred years ago. The argument, characters, passions and debating points are historically accurate, but the language and the medium of the debate is modern in form. Present day newscasters and commentators play themselves, reporting on the events of the 1780s as though they were occurring now.

Cast & crew

Cokie RobertsSelf - Host

William F. Buckley Jr.Self

Walter CronkiteSelf

John ChancellorSelf

Phil DonahueSelf

Robert MacNeilSelf

Andrea MitchellSelf

Al RokerSelf

Forrest SawyerSelf

Jamey SheridanDaniel Shays

Ed KochMayor of New York City, 1788

James RebhornJesse Woodhull