James Madison was influential to the ratification of the both the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which earned him the title of the “Father of the Constitution.” He went on to serve as the country’s fourth President.
Early Life
Born in Virginia in 1751, Madison entered politics at an early age. In 1776, he served as a delegate to the Virginia Constitution Convention. Four years later, Madison represented Virginia in the Continental Congress. However, he returned home to work on a law guaranteeing religious freedom, which was a life-long cause for Madison.
The Constitutional Convention
At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Madison was a vocal and influential delegate. His “Virginia Plan,” which divided the federal government into three branches, became the roadmap for the final Constitution. While he received a lot of the credit, Madison noted that the Constitution was not “the off-spring of a single brain,” but instead, “the work of many heads and many hangs.”
Once signed, Madison defended the Constitution during the ratification debates, penning The Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. He also convinced his home state of Virginia to ratify the Constitution over the objections of famed orator Patrick Henry.
Madison was elected to the newly formed U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, Madison was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the Bill of Rights. Although he did not initially think the amendments were necessary, he came to believe that they were essential to uniting the new and fragile nation.
In 1792, Madison joined Thomas Jefferson in founding the Democratic-Republican Party. The two men disagreed with the Federalist party on a number of key issues, including the formation of a national bank. Madison later served as Secretary of State in Jefferson’s administration, playing a significant role in the Louisiana Purchase. The land deal with France doubled the size of the country.
Presidential Tenure
Madison was elected president in 1808, as tensions were rising with both Britain and France. In response to repeated attacks on American ships, Madison asked Congress to declare war on Britain, commencing what would become known as the War of 1812. While the U.S. troops were vastly overpowered, the few victories they did win led to a surge in nationalism and helped secure Madison’s re-election.
After two terms, Madison retired from public office. He died in 1836 at the age of 85. In a letter open posthumously, he wrote, “The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.”
