Facts About James Madison

Of the Founding Fathers of the United States, James Madison has had one of the longest lasting influences on the American government and US Constitution. Some facts about James Madison indicate his devotion to the following the Constitution and his desire to protect individual's rights.

James Madison lived in a politically tumultuous age. He was a chief author of the US Constitution, which replaced the failed Articles of Confederation as the supreme political document of the United States. He also wrote a large portion of the Federalist Papers, which interpreted the Constitution and elaborated on the political ideology of the document. These facts about James Madison alone make him an important figure in American history.

Furthering his political importance in America, James Madison also served as a head of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson, and was the 4th President of the United States. In these positions, he held many similar beliefs as his mentor, Thomas Jefferson. Both of these Presidents were from Virginia. As a politician, Madison supported civil rights, including freedom to religion and speech, as well as being a proponent of the right to bear arms.  All of these beliefs are reflected in the Bill of Rights. Facts about James Madison also indicate that, as President, he did support some political changes that led to a bigger central government. After his experience in trying to fight the War of 1812, Madison eventually supported a national bank (an idea he had vetoed before) and a standing army despite his fear of power centralized in the government and not in the people.

As was the case with many of the Founding Fathers, after his time in office, James Madison experienced financial hardships due to the decline of his plantation while he was gone. He had married at a later age, and bore no children. However, James Madison's legacy continues on, as he is largely responsible for the political ideals and rights that have shaped America since the late 18th century.