Not only did James Madison convince George Washington to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, he promoted other members and their ideas along the way.

James convinced Governor Edmund Randolph to introduce his “Virginia Plan” in such a way that would comply with the purpose for which the Convention had been called. Its original purpose was to amend the unworkable Articles of Confederation. Yes, amend them out of existence.

Edmund Randolph had been an “Aide de Camp” to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Randolph was the currently acting Governor of Virginia. So he was a man of learning and prestige who would be listened to at this Convention. Randolph made an extraordinary introduction to Madison’s plan.

After George Washington became President, Randolph became U.S. Attorney, and later Secretary of State.

So Edmund Randolph was the one who first introduced Madison’s plan for amending the Articles of Confederation. Aren’t you glad? Many were opposed to that strategy at first, but came around to an understanding that the whole of the Articles had to be replaced. And look what a glorious document those 55 men approved that still exists today. If only we would pay closer attention to it!