American History: Presidents: James Madison: Proposed Amendments to Constitution

Text of James Madison's "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution," June 8, 1789. Madison states his reasons for the amendments in view of the anti-federalist feelings in many of the colonies. The proposal explains in Madison's own words the reasons for the widespread disapproval, especially the idea of a strong system of federalism. Madison does not propose to change the Constitution, but to amend it with the Bill of Rights.