James Madison

(1751 - 1836 )

Who was James Madison ?

    James Madison was born and raised in Virginia. He graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1771 and became a lawyer. As a politician, he served in the Continental Congress and the Virginia Assembly. The "Father of the Consitution," was an avid participant at the Constitutional Convention, and wrote some of the Federalist papers, which helped ratify the Constitution.

    Prior to his own Presidential ascension, Madison was President Jefferon's Secretary of State. As President, Madison was faced with a dilema. Both Britain and France, two of the U.S. trade partners who were also rivals, were attacking U.S. ships on the seas. The War of 1812 began, and was won.