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Rep. Roger Sherman of Connecticut
by Ralph Earl
(Courtesy of the Yale University Art Gallery)
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Roger Sherman deserves
the credit for making it possible for Americans to point to a specific body of Amendments
known as the Bill of Rights. Madison had drafted his proposals to be woven into the text
of the Constitution and believed that otherwise they would be less effective. Sherman
wanted the language proposed by the Federal Convention and accepted by the American
people to remain inviolate. He joined Jackson in calling for postponement on 8 June,
but eventually supported a modified version of Madison's proposals after forcing him to
agree that the amendments would follow the text of the Constitution. Madison accepted
the demand because he needed Sherman's support to ensure the two thirds majority required
by Article V of the Constitution.
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