This edition contains James Madison's entire narrative of the stirring historic debates that led to the creation of one of the free world's most respected documents: the Constitution of the United States. Madison's clear and precise account of the historic summer of 1787 is the primary record of the events that established the United States government, its division of power, and ultimately the character of American democracy. "The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787" includes Madison's notes and remarks and other requisite data for interpreting the events of that historic year. The work is divided into two parts: 'Antecedents of the Federal Convention of 1787', which presents the complete text of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, and 'The Federal Convention of 1787', a day-by-day description of the debates surrounding the formation of the Constitution. With a preface by University of Richmond historian Robert Alley, this landmark work is absolutely indispensable for historians, scholars, and all those who treasure America's heritage.