Watch The Words That Built America

The Words That Built America is a 2017 documentary that explores the creation of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The film features a number of prominent figures, including Lamar Alexander, Kevin Bacon, and Tammy Baldwin, who read some of the most famous and inspiring passages from these historic documents.

The documentary takes us on a journey through the early years of the United States, when the country was still struggling to define itself as a nation. We learn about the backgrounds and motivations of key founding figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, and how they came together to craft the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Words That Built America is the way that it brings these historic documents to life through the voices of contemporary figures. The film shows us these passages being read by a diverse cast of actors, politicians, and cultural icons, highlighting the enduring relevance and power of these words.

For example, we see Kevin Bacon reciting the entire Declaration of Independence, capturing the revolutionary spirit and rebellion against tyranny that defined the country's early years. We also hear from figures like Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate, who reads passages from the Constitution that highlight the document's promises of equality and liberty for all.

Throughout the film, we also get a sense of the debates and tensions that informed the creation of these documents. We learn about the compromises that had to be made in order to create a document that could be agreed upon by all the states, as well as the ongoing struggles to interpret and apply these founding principles over the years.

The Words That Built America is a moving and inspiring tribute to the power of words, and to the enduring legacy of the founding documents that have shaped American democracy. By highlighting the voices of contemporary figures alongside those of the historical figures who drafted these documents, the film helps us to understand the ongoing importance of these ideals and their role in shaping the future of the country.

The Words That Built America is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.