James Madison's impact and legacy in American History (Research Paper Sample)

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James Madison's impact and legacy in American History
James Madison’s life and legacy remains a puzzle to many historians. Despite his many achievements and deeds in public life especially during the convention and ratification, Madison has never been rated as one of the greatest presidents of the United States. According to McCoy (45), unlike his contemporaries Washington and Jefferson who exuded authority as presidents of the U.S., Madison’s failure to leave a mark as of one of the greatest presidents of the U.S. was attributed to his lack of dominance in public scenes. However, it is noted that Madison’s persuasive reasoning as well as sharp mind was legendary in endearing him to success among his peers and as a public servant. In fact, it is his persuasive reasoning and sharp mind that has made historians to describing him as one the best and brilliant secretaries of state of the United States in the early years of the country and as the "father of the Constitution”. This paper outlines the impact and legacy of Madison in American history by focusing on why he has gained accolade in the American history studies as the father of the constitution.
Madison’s impact and legacy in American history is traceable throughout the constitution making period in America. Not only did Madison used his persuasive reasoning and sharp mind to convince George Washington to come out of retirement and spearhead the constitution making process during the national convention, he personally instigated the start of the national convention in 1787 (Banning 8). Although he recognized the presence of Washington was particularly significant in giving the convention the much needed credence because of the heroism Washington commanded following the war, Madison’s contribution and leadership was hailed by his peers and his contemporaries as he was under no one’s shadows. According to Clinton Rossiter, Madison’s performance during the convention was "a combination of learning, experience, purpose, and imagination that not even Adams or Jefferson could have equaled" (p. 18). Not only did he speak more times during the convention more than any other founding father, he took the initiative to take the unofficial minutes of every discussion at the convention. In fact, this is the only known comprehensive record of the events that occurred at the time (Rossiter 20).
As a nationalist, Madison voiced his support for a powerful central government during the convention and his ideas along with those of his contemporaries were incorporated in the American constitution. However, for those who criticize him on this basis, it is important to note that he understood the dangers of extreme centralism and this is demonstrated through his opposition to Hamilton, Virginia Resolution, and most importantly, his Bill of Rights (Rosen 6). His tireless work and belief in the American constitution amid opposition from anti-federalists saw him make a strong stamp in the American history as the father of constitution. Not only did Madison took it upon himself to change the perception that a federal government would weaken and trample the autonomy of the states while trampling on the rights of the citizens, he went further to deal with the crisis of the moment by assuring everyone that the federal government has been delegated few and defined powers (Banning 161). He also went further to promise the anti-federalists that he would personally introduce a bill of rights to safeguard the rights of the citizens which he later did (Rosen 9). In essence, Madison’s sense of priorities always put first and dealt foremost with the immediate demands of national problems and crises of the moment. Indeed, this characterized his entire public service even after retiring as the president of the United States.
Moreover, the contribution of Madison to constitutional making and interpretation did not end with his tenure in public service. As noted by McCoy (56), Madison viewed republican governments as characterized by factionalism, instability, and injustice in popular regimes. However, he offered solution to the problems that confronted American government and society after his retirement by advising the country to look at the Federalist paper, in order to understand the original and intended interpretation of the American constitution (Labunski 90). In other words, Madison demonstrated throughout the convention and later years as a political leader that he had the commitment to protect and preserve the republican dream which he and his contemporaries fought very hard to formulate. However, even has he gallantly protected and fought for the preservation of the republic, Madison projected an exemplary temperament and character which endeared him to his allies and foes alike. While his exemplary temperament and character was attributed to his success in the writing of the constitution and its ratification, Labunski (78) notes that his unfavorable image obscured his legacy and impact in the formation of American republic and ultimately cost him his just due as one of the most celebrated founding fathers.
Based on his contribution to the American republic, there is no doubt that Madison’s stamp on the republic is unchallengeable. For instance, he did treat the American republic with the same values that characterized his public service that is, values of balance and stability (McCoy 152). This is demonstrated by his deeds throughout his life in public service and afterwards. But perhaps, it is Madison’s involvement in politics following his retirement that fully accentuate his role in the constitution mak...