b) Legal theorist

James Wilson’s notable role in the creation of the Constitution was as a legal theorist. He was a key advocate for a strong national government and the inclusion of popular sovereignty in the Constitution. Wilson argued for direct election of government officials and a single executive. His contributions at the Constitutional Convention and later as one of the first Supreme Court Justices shaped the American legal framework. Wilson’s legal philosophy and advocacy for a constitutionally-protected balance between national authority and individual liberty were instrumental in the formation of the United States’ foundational legal principles.