Key figures in the founding of the U.S. Constitution included prominent statesmen such as James Madison, who is often called the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in its drafting and ratification. Other influential contributors included George Washington, who presided over the Constitutional Convention; Alexander Hamilton, who advocated for a strong federal government; and Benjamin Franklin, whose wise counsel helped bridge divisions. Their collective efforts in 1787 culminated in a foundational document that established the framework of the U.S. government and has influenced democratic governance worldwide.