James Madison, known historically s the "Father of the Constitution," was an adamant supporter of its contents and ratification because of his understanding and fear that under any other system, the union would not be able to thrive or survive.
After the Revolutionary War ended, Madison was elected as a state legislator in his home state, Virginia. Originally a staunch supporter of the Articles of Confederation, while in the state house he became alarmed at the "fragility of the Articles." (Wikipedia). This fear lead him to draft the Virginia Plan for consideration at the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Madison's system, which essentially was adopted as the national government system under the Constitution, was motivated by a desire to create unity between the States but also maintain the independence of the individual states. His system was founded on a three-branch government with a bicameral legislature. The purpose of the bicameral legislature was to both ensure the influence of all the states and of the people. In order to keep all States equal, every state, regardless of population size, would have two senators. On the other hand, to ensure the direct participation of the people, each state would have representatives based on population. Further, Madison's plan adopted a checks and balances system to prevent tyranny by any one branch. (Wills).
Madison's reasoning for his passions are best summed up in his pro-ratification public relations campaign outlined in what is now known as the Federalist Papers. Perhaps the most famous of these essays is paper number ten, one actually penned by Madison. In it he sums up his belief by explaining how one large country with numerous interests and factions could support a republican form of government better than a small country, which would be more vulnerable to catering to special interests. (Madison, p. 57).
Bibliography
Hamilton, Alexander, Madison, James, Jay, John. The Federalist Papers. Clinton Rositer, ed. New York: Signet, 2003.
Wikipedia. Hamilton, Alexander. www.wikipedia.com,2006.
Wills, Garry. James Madison. New York: American Presidents Series, 2002.
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