As museum visitors make their way through the exhibits, they come across a document dated July 18, 1787, titled “Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention.” This document, created by James Madison, is a significant piece of American history and provides a valuable window into the Constitutional Convention that took place in Philadelphia that year (The New York Public Library Digital Collections 1). James Madison was one of the key figures in the Constitutional Convention, which was tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation and creating a new framework for the American government. Madison’s notes from the Convention provide an invaluable record of the debates and discussions that took place over the course of several months. The document itself is a handwritten journal in which Madison recorded the proceedings of the Convention. He meticulously documented the arguments and proposals put forth by his fellow delegates, providing a detailed account of the debates that shaped the final version of the Constitution. “James Madison’s all-consuming commitment to the monumental project that he had done so much to set in motion for the summer of 1787 was evident from the moment of his arrival” (Donald 41). The significance of Madison’s notes lies in the insights they offer into the creation of the American government. The Constitutional Convention was a pivotal moment in American history, and the document serves as a valuable primary source for scholars and students alike. He knew he had shared the stage at the Philadelphia convention of 1787 with a remarkable collection of political talent. His colleagues often got the better of him (Broadwater 29). It provides a firsthand account of the debates that took place behind closed doors, offering a glimpse into the thinking and motivations of the Founding Fathers. To fully appreciate the significance of Madison’s notes, it is important to have a basic understanding of American history and politics. “Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention” is a primary source that documents the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including the events of July 18th. The notes were taken by James Madison, one of the delegates to the convention, and they provide a valuable firsthand account of the debates and discussions that led to the creation of the United States Constitution. Visitors to the museum should be familiar with the Articles of Confederation, which governed the United States from 1781 to 1789 and proved to be ineffective in providing a stable government. They should also be aware of the major figures involved in the creation of the Constitution, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Madison’s notes offer a unique perspective on the Constitutional Convention and the debates that took place during that time. They provide valuable insights into the thinking and motivations of the delegates, shedding light on the compromises and negotiations that led to the creation of the American government. In particular, the notes document the debates over issues such as representation, slavery, and the separation of powers, all of which were crucial to the final version of the Constitution. The document also tells us something about the time period in which it was created. The late 18th century was a time of great political upheaval in the United States, as the country struggled to establish a stable government and define its national identity. The Constitutional Convention was a key moment in this process, and Madison’s notes offer a valuable record of the debates and discussions that took place during this pivotal moment in American history.
Broadwater, Jeff. James Madison: A Son of Virginia and a Founder of the Nation. The University
of North Carolina Press, 2012. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=e900xww&AN=422070&site=eds-live.
Dewey, Donald O., and Barbara Bennett Peterson. James Madison: Defender of the American
Republic. Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2009. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=e900xww&AN=393238&site=eds-live.
Madison, James. “Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention.” The Founders’ Constitution, edited by Philip B. Kurland and Ralph Lerner, vol. 1, University of Chicago Press, 1987, pp. 225-525.
The New York Public Library Digital Collections. “George Washington Papers. Series 4, General
Correspondence: George Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette, December 31, 1783”
The New York Public Library Digital Collections,
digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/e5115e20-8a31-0132-0c84-58d385a7b928#/?
uuid=e5115e20-8a31-0132-0c84-58d385a7b928. Accessed 7 April 2023.
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