Part I: The Federal Convention of 1787, Chapter 1-4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1: James Madison to George Washington (April 16th, 1787)

James Madison is a fervent supported of a stronger national government. This letter is by Madison to George Washington explaining the flaws of the Articles and what changes are needed. Madison argues that the national authority needs to be supreme over the states without eradicating them. He stresses the need for representation by population, which he argues the North will accept due to its current great population and the South will accept due to its growing population. What we need, Madison argues, is a "disinterested and dispassionate umpire in dispute" between different interest groups.

Chapter 2: The Virginia Plan (May 29th)

The convention debates begin on May 29th. Gov. Edmund Randolph of Virginia lays the Virginia plan before the delegates...