2.  James Madison was the Father of the Constitution, because he wrote it. James Madison wrote the Virginia Plan. It was based on government sharing power.

3.  Madison’s idea was to divide power in a fair way between the national government and the governments of each state. The Federal government was divided into three different branches.  The rules Madison wrote down for running the government became the Constitution of the United States.  The Constitution is like an owner’s manual. Madison tried to think of every possible situation that might arise.

4.  Madison was able to get people to find middle ground and compromise, even when both sides felt extremely different about something.  Madison’s ideas were like an ancient Roman republic.  In a republic, citizens have the power, but they transfer the power to people they elect to represent them.

5.  Madison wrote the Virginia Plan. It made sure that no group had too much power.  The Legislative Branch makes the laws.  The Executive Branch decides if the laws are necessary and enforces the laws.  The Judicial Branch decides if the laws abide by or follow the Constitution.

6.  Madison wanted to make sure that both large and small states had equal representation in the national government.

8.  The Senate would have equal representation.  The House of Representatives would be based on the population of each state.  September 17, 1787 is known as Constitution Day. Delegates agreed to and signed the document that governs our nation.  George Washington presided over the convention.