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Who is James Madison?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

James Madison (1751-1836), the fourth president of the United States, was born 16 March 1751. He was raised in Orange County, Virginia and received his education from The College of New Jersey — better known today as Princeton University. Because of his poor health and frequent seizures, he was disqualified from military service during the Revolution. However, he did briefly serve with his father in the Orange County militia.

In 1787, James Madison was named one of Virginia's delegates to the Constitutional Convention. His major contributions to the writing of this vitally important document earned him the title “Father of the Constitution.” However, he often insisted that he didn’t deserve such an honor. He felt that the Constitution was “the work of many heads and many hands.” To assist with the effort to ratify the Constitution, Madison worked with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay to prepare The Federalist Papers . Today, these essays are considered to be the most important interpretation of the citizen rights outlined in the Constitution.

James Madison often said he didn't deserve the nickname of "Father of the Constitution."
James Madison often said he didn't deserve the nickname of "Father of the Constitution."

James Madison married Dorothea Dandridge “Dolley” Payne Todd on 14 September 1794. While he was considered shy and introverted, Dolley was largely regarded as something of a social butterfly. In fact, historians credit her with bringing recognition to the role of the First Lady as a political ally of the president.

Madison was elected president of the United States in 1809. The nation’s trouble with the British and the War of 1812 consumed much of his energies during the presidency. At the time, the conflict was thought by many to be America’s second war for independence — even though there was actually no significant threat to the United States. Unfortunately, many of the country’s most prominent historians now consider his failure to avoid the war as one of the worst presidential mistakes ever made.

James Madison was the fourth American president.
James Madison was the fourth American president.

In 1817, James Madison retired from the presidency to spend more time at Montpelier, his Virginia estate. Although Madison had hoped to travel during his retirement, his financial troubles and rapidly declining health made this impossible. However, he did briefly serve as James Monroe’s foreign policy advisor and assisted Thomas Jefferson in founding the University of Virginia.

James Madison grew up in Virginia.
James Madison grew up in Virginia.

Madison passed away on 28 June 1836, after being bedridden for nearly one year. At the time of his death, he was the last living signatory of the Constitution. In recognition of his numerous contributions to U.S. history, many cities and schools have been named after this president. This list includes James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Madison, Wisconsin, as well as a number of high schools and small towns scattered throughout the United States.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the PublicPeople team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the PublicPeople team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

OceanSwimmer

James Madison was also the first president to wear long trousers. All of the presidents prior to Madison wore knee breeches. Madison was also a slave owner. He once suffered from frostbite to the nose.

His famous quote is “I always talk better lying down.” Those words were said on his death bed.

BoatHugger

There are several bits of interesting information about President James Madison. He was good friends with Jefferson which led to his appointment as secretary of state in 1801.

He was a very small man, standing only 5’4” and weighing approximately 100 pounds. His friends nicknamed him “Jimmy”. He suffered from chronic arthritis which kept him from doing many things that he wanted to do. Madison appeared on the first five-thousand dollar bill. It is no longer in circulation.

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    • James Madison often said he didn't deserve the nickname of "Father of the Constitution."
      By: Stephanie Frey
      James Madison often said he didn't deserve the nickname of "Father of the Constitution."
    • James Madison was the fourth American president.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      James Madison was the fourth American president.
    • James Madison grew up in Virginia.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      James Madison grew up in Virginia.
    • James Madison is credited with drafting the Bill of Rights.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      James Madison is credited with drafting the Bill of Rights.
    • James Madison became President of the United States in 1809 and left office in 1817.
      By: sborisov
      James Madison became President of the United States in 1809 and left office in 1817.
    • John Jay worked with Madison to prepare The Federalist Papers.
      By: laufer
      John Jay worked with Madison to prepare The Federalist Papers.