Part 1 of this three-part article traces James Madison's life and focuses primarily on those events that prepared him for leadership in the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787. It describes his early love of learning, education, and public service efforts. Part 2 chronicles Madison's devotion to study and preparation prior to the Constitutional Convention and his creation of a plan for a Constitution. His precise recording of the speeches and events surrounding the convention are noted. Part 3 considers the convention's power struggles, compromises, difficulties, and eventual creation of the Constitution and Madison's role in producing 29 of "The Federalist Papers." His efforts at helping to organize the new government and to draft the Bill of Rights are highlighted. A 21-item bibliography is included. (JHP)