(1751–1836). A Founding Father of the United States, James Madison was the nation's fourth president. He is known as the Father of the Constitution for his crucial role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. As president from 1809 to 1817, he led the nation through the War of 1812.

Early life

James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia, on March 16, 1751 (March 5 according to the calendar in use at the time). His parents were James Madison, Sr., and Eleanor Rose (Nellie) Conway Madison. Both his mother and father were members of upper-class Virginia families. Madison lived most of his life at Montpelier, his family's plantation in Orange County, Virginia.

A bookish boy, James first studied at home with his grandmother. At age 11 he entered school. From 16 to 18 he was tutored at home again, this time by a young clergyman. After graduating from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1771, he gradually turned to public affairs.

Early political career

In 1776 Madison was elected to the Virginia Convention, the group that turned the colony into a state. He helped write the state constitution and the Virginia Bill of Rights, which became the model for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. His support of religious freedom brought him to the attention of Thomas Jefferson, who became one of his closest friends.

Madison was defeated in the election for Virginia's first state legislature. Soon, however, he became an adviser to the governor. In 1779 he was elected to the Continental Congress. He quickly became a leader of that body. In the difficult final years of the American Revolution, he drafted laws, treaties, and plans to keep the young nation alive. He worked hard to strengthen the powers of the central government.

Father of the Constitution

Madison was elected to the Virginia legislature in 1784. His work there eventually helped bring about the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This convention met in Philadelphia to draw up a new constitution for the United States. Madison led a group seeking to form a strong central government. The Virginia Plan, made up largely of Madison's proposals, became the foundation for the United States Constitution.

In an attempt to persuade voters to approve the new document, Madison joined Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in writing The Federalist Papers. This series of 85 essays was a powerful explanation of the federal system of government.

Congressman and secretary of state

In 1789 Madison was elected to the new House of Representatives. He served during the eight years of George Washington's administration. He was responsible for writing the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

During his time in Congress Madison changed his political opinion. He came to oppose the idea that the federal government should have more power than the states. He shared this position with his old friend Thomas Jefferson.

In 1794 Madison married a young widow, Dolley Payne Todd. Pretty and lively, Dolley Madison took a leading place in Washington society. James and Dolley had no children. She had a son, Payne Todd, from her first marriage, however.

When Jefferson became president in 1801, he appointed Madison secretary of state. The two men worked closely together for the eight years of Jefferson's presidency. Their great joint achievement was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. In this deal, they doubled the size of the United States by purchasing a vast tract of land from France.

Presidency

Madison was elected to succeed Jefferson as president in 1808. He was reelected in 1812.

Madison took office during a time of uneasy peace. France and England were at war, and Madison tried to keep the United States out of the conflict. The British were stopping United States ships, however, and forcing the sailors into service. In addition, settlers in the West feared that the British were arming the region's Indians for war. In 1812 the United States declared war against Britain.

The War of 1812 lasted for two and a half years. The United States scored some victories at sea, but on land defeat followed defeat. In August 1814 the British invaded Washington, D.C., forcing the Madisons to flee. British troops burned the White House and other buildings. Peace was finally made in December 1814 through the Treaty of Ghent. Neither side had won a clear victory.

Among Madison's domestic measures was the introduction in 1816 of the country's first tariff, or tax on goods brought into the country to be sold. This law was designed to protect U.S. manufacturers against competition from overseas by making the oversees goods more expensive.

Retirement

Madison retired to Montpelier in 1817. For the rest of his life he managed his farm. He also supported Jefferson in founding the University of Virginia in 1819. After Jefferson's death in 1826, Madison became the school's head. Madison also worked to abolish slavery. In 1829 he served at the Virginia Constitutional Convention. He died on June 28, 1836.