James Madison, Fourth President of the United States, Father of the Constitution

Table of Contents

• I. Early Life and Education
• II. Pre-Revolutionary Political Career
• III. Constitutional Convention and Ratification
• IV. Political Conflict with Federalists
• V. Secretary of State 
• VI. Presidency
• VII. Retirement and Death

I. Early Life and Education

• Born into an influential family in 1751 in Virginia
• Pursued his academic interests at Princeton, completing his studies in 1771
• After graduation, he returned home to immerse himself in the study of law and to manage the family plantation

II. Pre-Revolutionary Political Career

• Began his political journey when elected to the Virginia Constitutional Convention in 1776
• Served diligently on Virginia’s Privy Council between 1777-1779
• Though elected to the Continental Congress in 1780, he chose to decline to maintain his position on the Privy Council

III. Constitutional Convention and Ratification

• Made significant contributions at the Annapolis Convention in 1786, where he advocated for the Constitutional Convention
• Played a crucial role at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, being the main force behind the Virginia Plan
• Contributed to the Federalist Papers alongside Hamilton and Jay between 1787-1788, supporting the Constitution’s ratification
• Led the initiative to author the Bill of Rights, drawing inspiration from state recommendations

IV. Political Conflict with Federalists

• Represented Virginia in the House of Representatives from 1789-1797
• Staunchly opposed Federalist policies, notably the establishment of the National Bank
• Penned the Virginia Resolution, expressing strong opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts

V. Secretary of State

• Served under President Jefferson, overseeing major foreign policy decisions
• Played a pivotal role in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, expanding US territories
• Managed the ongoing trade tensions with Britain and France during his tenure

VI. Presidency

• Elected as the fourth President of the United States in 1808
• Showed leadership during the War of 1812 against Britain
• Oversaw the nation’s recovery and rebuilding efforts after the British set the capital ablaze in 1814
• Played an instrumental role in supporting James Monroe’s election as the next President

VII. Retirement and Death

• After serving two terms, Madison retired to his Montpelier plantation in Virginia in 1817
• Continued to be involved in politics and championed education
• Became Rector of the University of Virginia starting in 1826, contributing to academic advancements
• Passed away in 1836, leaving a rich legacy as the last surviving Founding Father of the nation