On this day in 1787, the “Father of the Constitution” writes Thomas Jefferson.
On this day in 1787, the “Father of the Constitution” writes Thomas Jefferson. The Constitution had been sent to the states for approval mere weeks before, and James Madison was now writing to describe its provisions. He thought the document a “miracle.” Madison knew how hard the Constitutional Convention’s task had been. How could big and small states come together? How could north and south agree? Opinions among the delegates varied too greatly, and it had been difficult to find common ground. Could anyone really understand the challenges facing the Convention if they hadn’t been there? Madison didn’t think so. So why did Madison find himself explaining these dynamics to Jefferson? Wasn’t Jefferson there, too? The answer might surprise you because it tends to get left out of history books: Jefferson was not present at the Constitutional Convention. Nor was he present during the state ratification debates. Nor was he a member of the first Congress that debated and app...