The United States Constitution did not contain a Bill of Rights when ratified in 1788. Dr. Dan McDonough, professor of history at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will detail the lead role James Madison took in designing and passing the Bill of Rights, emphasizing the personal rights which underpin American democracy. This event is part of the UT Martin Research Series and supports the visit of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Voices and Votes, at the Martin Public Library, October 7-November 18.