James Madison A Life of Change

Early Life Born in Virginia in 1751. In 1769 he enrolled in the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. During the American Revolution he served in the Virginia State Legislature. Congressman Madison, age 32 by Charles Willson Peale.

The Father of the Constitution He wrote the Virginia Plan This became the outline of the Constitution. He spoke over 200 times at the Constitutional Convention. With Alexander Hamilton and John Jay he published the 85 articles in support of the Constitution called the Federalist Papers. As a member of Congress, he admitted the bill to the Senate that would become the U.S. Bill of Rights. Explain why Madison is considered the “Father of the Constitution.”

The Democratic-Republican Party Helped found one of the 1st American Political Parties with Thomas Jefferson. This party was created in response to Alexander Hamilton’s economic policy and the Federalist Party. Madison was a Federalist while writing the Constitution, why did he help Jefferson found the Democratic Republicans?

Marbury v. Madison Served as Jefferson’s Secretary of State Was cited in the court case Marbury v. Madison, since he was the Secretary of State at the time. This case established judicial review.

Madison’s Presidency 1809-1817 The War of 1812 occurred during his administration. He unified the country to fight the war. During his presidency the U.S. economy began to improve and led to the period called the Era of Good Feelings. The U.S. made internal improvements in roads, bridges, and canals.

Lesson Suggestion James Madison Activity