Final answer:
James Madison prepared for the Constitutional Convention by studying government, writing about the weaknesses of the current system, and drafting a plan for representation in the legislative branch based on population.
Step-by-step explanation:
James Madison prepared for the Constitutional Convention by:
- Studying everything he could find about government throughout history and all around the world.
- Writing a pamphlet called 'Vices of the Political System of the United States' to highlight the weaknesses of the current government and advocate for a new system with a bicameral legislature, a separate judicial branch, and an executive.
- Playing a key role in drafting the Virginia Plan, which proposed representation in the legislative branch based on population.