James Madison in the First Congress, by Professor William Allen

James Madison in the First Congress, by Professor William B. Allen. This short video highlights the integral and essential role played by James Madison in organizing the new government while serving in the First Congress. His reputation from the Constitutional Convention preceded him so his colleagues gave him great deference when determining legislative priorities (e.g., the Bill of Rights) and organizing executive branches. Professor William B. Allen observes “James Madison was the Prime Minister. There is just no other way to say it.”

Professor William B. Allen is an emeritus professor Political Philosophy and the former Dean of the James Madison College at Michigan State University. He was a member of the National Council on the Humanities 1984–87, and Chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights from 1988 to 1989.