James Madison “Father of the Constitution” “A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.“ March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836

“Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot afford, he should be carried forward at the public expense.” James Madison James Madison

Madison’s Work Helped Define the Constitutional Period of Our History Born in 1751, Madison was brought up in Orange County, Virginia, and attended Princeton (then called the College of New Jersey). A student of history and government, well-read in law, he participated in the framing of the Virginia Constitution in 1776, served in the Continental Congress, and was a leader in the Virginia Assembly. When delegates to the Constitutional Convention assembled at Philadelphia, the 36-year-old Madison took frequent and emphatic part in the debates.

He left us our government and the history of the period. Madison furnished the basic framework and guiding principles of the Constitution, earning him the title of “Father of the Constitution.” He took day-by-day notes of debates at the Constitutional Convention, which furnish the only comprehensive history of the proceedings. Madison sponsored the first 10 amendments to the Constitution—the Bill of Rights—placing emphasis in debate on freedom of religion, speech, and press. His leadership in the House, which caused the Massachusetts congressman Fisher Ames to call him “our first man,”

“Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.” James Madison James Madison

All except eight essays appeared in 1787 and 1788 under the signature "Publius." To promote ratification he collaborated with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in newspaper publication of the Federalist papers (Madison wrote 29 out of 85), which became the standard commentary on the Constitution

Papers The Papers Swayed people’s opinion to support the new Constitution The Federalist authors used both logical argument and appeal to convince people. They emphasized the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, the dangers in British sea power and Spanish intrigue, the need of a stronger central government, and the safeguards of the new Constitution. The authors did not defend every point in the proposed Constitution. But they argued that it was the best document on which agreement could be reached. They asserted that the checks and balances system of the Constitution would create a strong government and still protect the states' rights. The Federalist papers greatly influenced acceptance of the Constitution, and they are still important in interpreting it.

“In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.” James Madison James Madison James Madison

Examples The Federalist Essays

“Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations. “ James Madison “If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. “ James Madison James Madison

Madison’s Wife, Dolley, became a different kind of first lady.

A Widow, Quaker by faith. An unpretentious woman, she ate heartily, gambled, rouged her face lavishly, and took snuff. Her social gatherings at the White House were legends but most importantly, helped balance out her husband’s shy, serious nature. She endeared herself to the American Nation when she saved the well known portrait of George Washington from the White House before it was burned. “It is done... the precious portrait placed in the hands of the gentlemen for safe keeping.” Dolley Madison Dolley Madison

Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of Washington hung in the White House. In 1814, the British entered the city and burned the building. Dolley Madison and the staff, saved what they could with very little time to spare.

James Madison American Patriot Prior to presidency: Prior to presidency: Member of Orange County Committee of Safety; Delegate to the Virginia Convention; Member of Virginia Legislature; Member of Virginia Executive Council; Delegate to Constitutional Convention; Member of the Virginia Ratification Convention; United States Congressman; Secretary of State After his Presidency: After his Presidency: Planter; Writer; University Rector; State Legislator; State Legislator; Presidential Advisor 1 st.Inauguration: 1 st.Inauguration: March 4, 1809; House of Representatives, Washington D.C. 2 nd Inauguration: 2 nd Inauguration: March 4, 1813; House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Death: Montpelier, Va., June 28, 1836, Heart Failure. Place of Burial: Montpelier Va.