The life of James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," and his role in U.S. history are discussed in this guide to an educational program designed to acquaint students with Madison prior to a class field trip to his home, Montpelier. An essay on Madison and the Constitution is included, as well as a vocabulary list, a historic timeline, and a selected bibliography. The guide to the participatory house tour of Montpelier, "I Was There!," is designed to allow students to meet, through role-playing situations, eight people who influenced Madison's life and political principles. A cast of characters and scripts to be used in this exercise are included in the document. Ten activity sheets, and appendices containing highlights from the Constitution and Bill of Rights also appear. All scripts, vocabulary lists, timelines, maps, activity sheets, and Constitutional materials for students are provided. Details for arranging a field trip to Montpelier also are included. (DB)