Ken Burns on what he thinks would surprise the founders of America | 60 Minutes

Sponsorship and Introduction to Ken Burns00:02

The last minute of 60 Minutes is sponsored by United Healthcare. Coverage you can count on for your whole life ahead. Filmmaker Ken Burns has given viewers new understanding of American history with his documentaries including the Civil War and the American Revolution. To mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, asked Burns what would surprise the nation's founders about America today.

Founders' Reactions to Modern America00:32

I think the founders would be very pleased that their revolution became a model for democracies around the world. I think they would also be surprised, pleasantly so, that we are still here 250 years later.

They were hugely concerned about the strains on the new country. If they were to magically arrive in this moment, they would be troubled about how stressed our system of checks and balances is, but equally impressed that we've been able to overcome significant national and global challenges.

Disappointments and Hopes for the 250th Anniversary01:00

They would be disappointed, I think, not because of how divided we are, we always have been, but how we are increasingly struggling to acknowledge our shared values.

My hope for the 250th anniversary of our founding is that Americans understand that democracy and self-governance requires our constant attention. The best way to commemorate the 250th is to study our history in all its complexities and to vote.