- Linus Van Pelt: Come on, Charlie Brown! We're late already! We're supposed to clean up the meeting hall, and it's already after daybreak! Come on!
- Charlie Brown: I never have time to do anything. All I ever do is work.
- Lucy Van Pelt: Now what are they debating about?
- Linus Van Pelt: They're trying to decide who will be the head of the government.
- Lucy Van Pelt: I think it should be a queen. A beautiful queen.
- Linus Van Pelt: Some of the delegates think it should be just one man. But others are afraid that if it's just one man, he'll be like another king.
- Peppermint Patty: [voiceover; first lines] Eleven years after the Declaration of Independence, thirteen American colonies had become the United States, but they were united in name only. Actually, they were thirteen independent republics bickering among themselves over everything from taxes, to borders, to water rights. A meeting had been called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to try to solve these problems. Twelve of the thirteen states sent representatives. Eventually, fifty-five delegates would participate, but by the start of the meeting, only half of the delegates had arrived. They came by water, by stagecoach, and on horseback.
- Peppermint Patty: [voiceover] Dear Grandmother, I'm sorry I haven't written you, but I've been very busy working at the convention. I am worried about our country, Grandmother. My friend Linus says that if these men don't agree fairly soon, this convention and then maybe even the whole country will collapse. It's been very, very hot here, and twelve of the delegates have already gone home. Those who are left are debating about things like slavery, and the Bill of Rights, and a bunch of other things, too. Linus says if they don't agree on a strong constitution, we might have civil wars between the states. Please keep your fingers crossed, Grandmother. So will I. Love, Peppermint Patty.
- General George Washington: Gentlemen, may I say that this has been a most difficult week for all of us. Although the debate will undoubtedly continue before we adjourn, for the record, I would like to summarize what I believe is the majority view as of this evening in this Great Compromise. It is proposed that representation be according to population in the Lower House; that all money bills originate in that house, and that in the Upper House, each state shall have an equal vote.
- [the delegates cheer]
- General George Washington: And now may we proceed to equally important matters?
- General George Washington: I believe we have come to a day in our nation's history that many believed was impossible. I commend each and every one of you for your courage, your endurance, and your honest debate. We have now reviewed every word of this Constitution, and the time has come to vote upon it. We'll have a role call of the states.
- New Hampshire Delegate: New Hampshire votes aye.
- Massachusetts Delegate: Massachusetts votes aye.
- Connecticut Delegate: Connecticut votes aye.
- General George Washington: [after time passes] This Constitution for a new United States - has been approved!