Constitution Week spotlight

James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution” mainly because he came to the Constitutional Convention so well prepared and because he took copious notes each night after the day’s session.

Princeton-educated, Madison read hundreds of books about governments plus documents like the Magna Carta. At age 36, he was one of the youngest delegates.

Madison was not noted as a particularly good speaker; nevertheless, he made 150 speeches at the convention.

With Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Madison wrote 85 essays called The Federalist Papers to gain support for the Constitution. He also became the fourth United States president.

Do you know?

1) How many delegates attended the Constitutional Convention?

a. 70

b. 55

c. 35

2) Which state did not send a delegate to the Constitutional Convention?

a. Rhode Island

b. Pennsylvania

c. North Carolina

3) The final ruling with regard to constitutionality is reserved for:

a. International Court

b. U.S. Supreme Court

c. Federal District Court of Appeals

This Constitution Week Spotlight is provided by Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information about DAR, please visit the chapter’s website at ltgeorgefarragut.weebly.com.

Answers: 1. b. (55); 2. a. (Rhode Island); 3. b. (U.S. Supreme Court)