The very future of the nation was at stake. This handsome, affordable
paperback edition contains James Madison's entire narrative of the
stirring historic debates that led to the creation of one of the free
world's most respected documents: the Constitution of the United States.
Known today as the "Father of the Constitution," Madison clearly and
precisely chronicles the often-heated discussions, and his is the
primary record of the events that established the United States
government, its division of power, and ultimately the character of
American democracy. Through Madison's words we understand the essence of
the personalities involved and the conflict and compromise that was
inherent in the drafting of the document. The Debates in the Federal
Convention of 1787 includes Madison's notes and remarks as well as other
requisite information for interpreting the events of that historic year.
The work is divided into three parts: "Antecedents of the Federal
Convention of 1787," which presents the complete text of the Declaration
of Independence and the Articles of Confederation; "The Federal
Convention of 1787," a day-by-day description of the debates surrounding
the formation of the Constitution; and "The Constitution, Its
Ratification, and Amendments," which presents the complete text of the
Constitution, documents attesting to its ratification, and the Bill of
Rights. With a preface by University of Richmond historian Robert Alley,
this landmark work is absolutely indispensable for historians, scholars,
and all those who treasure America's heritage.
