Ebook: The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison

In 1787, the American union was in disarray. The incompatible demands of the separate states threatened its existence; some states were even in danger of turning into the kind of tyranny they had so recently deposed. A truly national government was needed, one that could raise money, regulate commerce, and defend the states against foreign threats-without becoming as overbearing as England. So thirty-six-year-old James Madison believed. That summer, the Virginian was instrumental in organizing the Constitutional Convention, in which one of the world's greatest documents would be debated, created, and signed. Inspired by a sense of history in the making, he kept the most extensive notes of any attendee. Now two esteemed scholars have made these minutes accessible to everyone. Presented with modern punctuation and spelling, judicious cuts, and helpful notes-plus fascinating background information on every delegate and an overview of the tumultuous times-here is the great drama of how the Constitution came to be, from the opening statements to the final votes. --Publisher.;List of delegates speaking in this record -- The Constitutional Convention. Introduction : the road to Philadelphia -- Record of the Convention -- Epilogue : a poorly kept secret -- Biographical notes on delegates speaking in this record -- The Virginia plan -- The New Jersey plan -- Committee of Detail draft Constitution -- Constitution of the United States of America : as approved by the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787.