James Madison Junior was born on March 16th, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia, as the oldest of twelve children. Until the age of 18, he grew up on the family plantation in Montpellier, Virginia. Then, Virginia was one of the thirteen original American colonies.
In 1769, he set off to study at the College of Jersey (today’s Princeton University). Madison was a gifted student. Thus, he completed the three-year bachelor’s degree program in just two years. He returned to Virginia in 1773 and found interest in the government and law.
Besides, the relationships between the Colonies and Britain. Madison joined the local militia in 1774 but left soon for bad health. Further, he took part in Virginia’s constitutional convention in 1776. During this time, he became friends with Thomas Jefferson.
✟ June 28, 1836, Montpellier, USA
Father of the Constitution
James Madison joined the Continental Congress in 1780. He realized that the 1781 Articles of Confederation were weak. Hence, in 1787, he presented his idea for the new constitution. The focal point was a thorough separation of power (judicial, legislative, and executive). Besides, he believed in a republic, and that the federal government must be firm.
In adopting the new constitution, he was of great influence. Along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, he wrote essays in The Federalist. In Federalist 10, he warns against the tyranny of the majority. Hence, he deserves the nickname “the father of the constitution” for his commitment.
Between 1789 and 1797, he was a member of the newly formed House of Representatives. Besides, he was a close advisor to the first president, George Washington. There, he largely helped draft the American Bill of Rights. In 1801, the second president, Thomas Jefferson, chose him as his secretary of state.
Further, James Madison became the fourth president of the USA in 1809. The most significant event of his eight-year presidency was the War of 1812 with Britain. Despite the country’s poor preparation, it eventually led to a surge in American nationalism.
He married Dolley Todd and adopted her son from a previous marriage. He spent his retirement at home in Montpellier. James Madison, one of the chief Founding Fathers, died on June 28th, 1836, at the age of 85.
Equal laws protecting equal rights, the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country.
James Madison
