| James Madison, (1751-1836), Madison's principal contribution to the founding of the United States was as "Father of the Constitution." He played the leading role in formulating the U.S. Constitution, and he was its leading defender and interpreter for 50 years. To a large degree he combined scholarship, a keen intelligence, commitment to republican government, and a realistic understanding of politics in a way that allowed him again and again to move from an idea or a conception to a plan or a policy or a law. |