Final answer:
Drew R. McCoy's book thoroughly analyzes James Madison's contributions to American constitutionalism, the political climate of the early Republic, and the establishment of judicial review with the Marbury v. Madison case, while covering his evolving presidential perspectives and role in federalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The book The Last of the Fathers: James Madison and the Republican Legacy by Drew R. McCoy delves into the complex political life and legacy of James Madison, the 'Father of the Constitution' and the fourth President of the United States. It explores Madison's critical role in shaping the early Republic, highlighting his evolving views on federalism and the Constitution. Particularly of interest is how the book interprets Madison's involvement with the contentious events surrounding the appointment of Federalists to the judiciary during the Adams administration and the consequential landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review.
Madison's earlier works, including Vices of the Political System of the United States and contributions to the Federalist Papers, also inform the discussion in McCoy's text. Furthermore, the book reviews Madison's contributions to the creation of the American Republic alongside other Federalists such as George Washington, as documented by historians like James McGregor Burns, Susan Dunn, and Gordon S. Wood. McCoy's narrative captures the transformation of Madison's views on presidential power and the Electoral College, which continues to be a relevant topic in contemporary political discourse.