Who was the primary writer of the US Constitution?

Answer 1

James Madison. The Constitution was written and approved by the 1786 constitutional convention and many people contributed, but George Washington was the leader of the convention and Madison was the primary author. The Bill of Rights was written by James Madison and approved by the first congress in 1789. The anti-Federalists believed that the rights already established by state constitutions were strong enough protection from any intentions to subvert them by the new draft of the US Constitution. For example, prior to the Bill of Rights, the constitution made no mention about subverting the free press. That said, the new federal government only had the powers granted to it, all other powers were automatically left to the states.

Yet the anti-Federalists wanted a firm stance on basic rights. The result was James Madison writing 12 amendments in the new Bill of Rights. The Framers believed only ten of the twelve were needed. Therefore the Bill of Rights does indeed have the ten as mentioned. The first of the amendments clearly states that:

* Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion;

* No prohibitions on the freedom to exercise religions;

* Freedom of speech is guaranteed;

* Freedom of the press;

* The right to freely assemble peaceably; and

* Allowing the people to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Of all the amendments, perhaps the First Amendment can be considered the most powerful one in protecting the peoples' rights.

Answer 2

James Madison

Answer 3

Thomas Jefferson.