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James Madison

1751-1836 CERuler

American statesman and political thinker, principal architect of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, fourth President of the United States.

Biography

Overview

James Madison (1751-1836), the 'Father of the Constitution,' was the primary architect of America's government. Meticulously studying the history of republics, he sought to design a system that could escape their typical failures. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, his Virginia Plan provided the framework for a three-branch government defined by checks and balances.

Madison famously argued in *Federalist* No. 51 that 'ambition must be made to counteract ambition' and developed the 'extended republic' theory to mitigate the danger of factions. To secure public trust, he championed the Bill of Rights. As the fourth President, he led the nation through the War of 1812, proving the resilience of the institutions he helped design. His legacy remains defined by the conviction that liberty is best secured through durable, self-regulating structures rather than mere 'parchment barriers.'

James Madison’s world, year by year

17511836

Dated facts

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  1. 1750James Madison was born on March 16, 1751 (March 5, 1750, Old Style), at Belle Grove plantation near Port Conway, Colony of Virginia.
  2. 1769He enrolled at the College of New Jersey in 1769 and stayed on to study Hebrew and political philosophy under John Witherspoon.
  3. 1787In 1787 he helped create the Virginia Plan, which became the basis for the Constitutional Convention's deliberations.
  4. 1787With Alexander Hamilton and John Jay he wrote The Federalist Papers, 85 essays urging ratification of the Constitution, begun in October 1787.
  5. 1789In the First Congress he introduced the Bill of Rights on June 8, 1789; ten amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791.
  6. 1794He married the widow Dolley Payne Todd on September 15, 1794, and died at his Montpelier plantation in Virginia on June 28, 1836.
  7. 1801With Thomas Jefferson he organized the Democratic–Republican Party, and he served as Jefferson's Secretary of State from 1801 to 1809.
  8. 1809As fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817, he led the country into the War of 1812 against Britain.

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Wars during this life

  • Anglo-Maratha Wars 1775–1818
  • Merina Unification of Madagascar 1787–1828
  • Anglo-Mysore Wars 1767–1799
  • Tay Son Rebellion 1771–1802
  • Hawaiian Unification Wars 1782–1810
  • Ashanti–Fante Wars 1806–1831

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Sources

Primary works and follow-on reading.

Primary Sources

  • Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787
  • The Federalist Papers (especially Nos. 10 and 51)
  • Virginia Plan proposals
  • Public letters and presidential messages
  • Reference profile for James Madison

Further Reading

  • James Madison - Irving Brant (selections)
  • The Framing of the Constitution - Max Farrand

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about James Madison.

Who was James Madison?

James Madison (1751-1836), the 'Father of the Constitution,' was the primary architect of America's government. Meticulously studying the history of republics, he sought to design a system that could escape their typical failures. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, his Virginia Plan provided the framework for a three-branch government defined by checks and balances. Madison famously argued in *Federalist* No. 51 that 'ambition must be made to counteract ambition' and developed the 'extended republic' theory to mitigate the danger of factions. To secure public trust, he championed the Bill of Rights. As the fourth President, he led the nation through the War of 1812, proving the resilience of the institutions he helped design. His legacy remains defined by the conviction that liberty is best secured through durable, self-regulating structures rather than mere 'parchment barriers.'

What was James Madison best known for?

James Madison is best known as a ruler. American statesman and political thinker, principal architect of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, fourth President of the United States.

When did James Madison live?

James Madison lived 1751-1836 CE, born in 1751 and died in 1836, during the early modern period.

Can I chat with an AI version of James Madison?

Yes, free. Anyone can ask James Madison, and a first question needs no account. Every answer is a Simulation in character, grounded in James Madison’s real life, work and era. A good first question is: "How did you come to believe that an extended republic could control faction better than a small one?"

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  • Institutional Design: Building durable, accountable systems
  • Governance Strategy: Balancing power and effectiveness

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