James Madison's slight stature and reserved personality gave little indication of his keen intellect and shrewd nature. No other Founder had as much influence in crafting, ratifying, and interpreting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights as he did. A skilled political tactician, Madison proved instrumental in determining the form of the early American republic. Explore Madison's contributions at the Constitutional Convention with our activity Madison's Notes are Missing where you will travel back in time to ask questions of the Founders and report their findings in a news story.