James Madison
Best known as: 4th president of the USA
Occupation: Politician
Nationality: American
Religion: Church of England
Political party: Federalist, then Democratic-Republican
Home: Montpelier, Virginia
Born: March 16, 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia
Died: June 28, 1836 at Montpelier, Virginia
Education: attended Princeton
Military service: served in Continental Army during Revolutionary War
Offices held:
Member of the Continental Congress (1780-1783 and 1787-1788)
Member of House of Representatives (1789-1797)
Secretary of State (1801-1809)
President of the U.S. (1809-1817)
Short biography:
Hardworking and meticulous, James Madison began his politican career as a member of Virginia's state legislature, where he drafted the state's declaration of religious freedom. He then served in the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, where he proposed the Virginia Plan and advocated a national government powerful enough to keep order among the states. Known as the "Father of the Constitution," he was one of the three authors of the Federalist papers, encouraging ratification of the Constitution. After ratification, Madison wrote the Bill of Rights and became a Congressman. It was during this time that his political views began to change. Madison became alarmed at the increasing power of the federal government under Washington and Hamilton and co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party with Thomas Jefferson. As Secretary of State under Jefferson, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. As president, he urged the country into military action against England and led the country in the War of 1812. Although greatly outnumbered by the British, American troops forced a draw and proved that the young nation could stand up to Britain and defend its independence.
Wife: Dolley Payne Todd
Friends: Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson
Vice presidents: George Clinton (1809-1812) and Elbridge Gerry (1813-1814)
Parents: James Madison and Nelly Conway Madison
