Author

James Madison

Portrait of James Madison.
Portrait of James Madison. Source · Public domain
Memorial and Remonstrance and Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention

1785-1840 · 18th Century · Political Theory

Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance and Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention show him as both principled advocate and institutional anatomist. Memorial and Remonstrance, written in 1785 against a Virginia religious assessment bill, argues that religion must be free from state coercion because conscience is prior to civil society and cannot be surrendered to government.