<P> Originally opposed to the inclusion of a bill of rights in the Constitution, Madison had gradually come to understand the importance of doing so during the often contentious ratification debates . By taking the initiative to propose amendments himself through the Congress, he hoped to preempt a second constitutional convention that might, it was feared, undo the difficult compromises of 1787, and open the entire Constitution to reconsideration, thus risking the dissolution of the new federal government . Writing to Jefferson, he stated, "The friends of the Constitution, some from an approbation of particular amendments, others from a spirit of conciliation, are generally agreed that the System should be revised . But they wish the revisal to be carried no farther than to supply additional guards for liberty ." He also felt that amendments guaranteeing personal liberties would "give to the Government its due popularity and stability". Finally, he hoped that the amendments "would acquire by degrees the character of fundamental maxims of free government, and as they become incorporated with the national sentiment, counteract the impulses of interest and passion". Historians continue to debate the degree to which Madison considered the amendments of the Bill of Rights necessary, and to what degree he considered them politically expedient; in the outline of his address, he wrote, "Bill of Rights--useful--not essential --". </P> <P> On the occasion of his April 30, 1789 inauguration as the nation's first president, George Washington addressed the subject of amending the Constitution . He urged the legislators, </P> <P> whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience; a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen, and a regard for public harmony, will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the question, how far the former can be impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted . </P> <P> James Madison introduced a series of Constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives for consideration . Among his proposals was one that would have added introductory language stressing natural rights to the preamble . Another would apply parts of the Bill of Rights to the states as well as the federal government . Several sought to protect individual personal rights by limiting various Constitutional powers of Congress . Like Washington, Madison urged Congress to keep the revision to the Constitution "a moderate one", limited to protecting individual rights . </P>

Who wrote and signed the bill of rights