The outstanding merit of James Madison consists in having contributed notably to the making of a constitution that would serve as an instrument of government to achieve the happiness of the nation and the greatness of the United States of America. Without departing from modern political doctrines, the formula conceived by him is perfectly suited to the social life, temperament, manners, and natural inclination of the American people; reconciling in this way the rational juridical principle of self-government with what Santa Maria de Paredes calls “the historical positive.” It is something made to measure, by masterly hands, in accordance with the supreme postulates of science.