Who is recognized as the "father of the Constitution"?

James Madison is widely recognized as the "father of the Constitution" due to his pivotal role in the drafting and promoting of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He was influential during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he proposed the Virginia Plan, which laid the foundation for the structure of the government. Madison took meticulous notes during the debates, which have provided historians with significant insights into the framers' intentions.

Moreover, he was a strong advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, and alongside Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, he co-authored The Federalist Papers, a series of essays that argued in favor of the new Constitution and helped to sway public opinion. Madison's contributions were critical in shaping the dialogue around the new government framework, earning him the title "father of the Constitution." His dedication to the principles of democracy and balance of powers is reflected throughout the Constitution, reinforcing his legacy in American political history.