While growing up he was given a good education and taught that he should always have control. Madison also studied law. After school he was elected in the Virginia legislature and allied himself with Patrick Henry on the religious tolerance issues. After the term was up, Madison lost his bid and was not elected back into office. Madison returned home to take duties of a planter. Two years later he was elected in to the Continental Congress where he was recognized for his power. James Madison knew the Articles of Confederation were flawed and feared the government would not be able to win the war. He believed a stronger government could protect the United States. As he attended conventions, he took the lead for the Federalist on arguing why a constitution should be …show more content…
Henry argued that the constitution would jeopardize state sovereignty and the rights of the people. He also did not support it because it did not contain a Bill of Rights. Other arguments made by Henry were that Congress may destroy suffrage and elections will soon not matter and those in Congress would not follow same laws that the citizens would have to follow. Henry stated, “ If you make citizens of this country agree to become subjects of one great consolidated empire of America, your government will not have sufficient energy to keep them together.” James Madison argued back with popular opinions because states were ready for a change. He argued that an army was necessary, and argued taxes was not for the direct taxation but for tariffs and indirect taxes. Madison said the national government could not turn into a tyranny because the power would come from state government and the people not just the national government. As the debate continued, the Federalists continued to convince the remaining states to ratify. Once they agreed to add a Bill of Rights, the decision was