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James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) was the fourth (1809–1817) President of the United States. Known as the "Father of the Constitution," he played a leading role in the creation of the United States Constitution in 1787 and, with Alexander Hamilton, was the chief expounder of its meaning in the Federalist Papers (1788). Working closely with Thomas Jefferson he created the Democratic-Republican party in the mid-1790s and built a system of grass roots political activism that was victorious in the "Revolution of 1800." As Jefferson's Secretary of State he handled the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the nation's size, and tried to avoid war with Britain and France. As president he declared war on Britain, the War of 1812.
Early life
Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia on March 16, 1751 (March 5 according to the Old Style Julian Calendar). He was the eldest of twelve children and only seven of them will reach adulthood According to the Library of Congress, *. His parents, Colonel James Madison, Sr. (March 27, 1723 – February 27, 1801) and Eleanor Rose "Nellie" Conway (January 9, 1731 – February 11, 1829), were slave owners and the prosperous owners of a tobacco plantation in Orange County, Virginia, where Madison spent most of his childhood years. He was raised Episcopalian. Madison's plantation life was made possible by his paternal great-great-grandfather, James Madison, who utilized Virginia's headright system to import many indentured servants, thereby allowing him to accumulate a large tract of land. Madison, like his forebears, owned slaves.
In 1769, Madison left the plantation to attend the College of New Jersey (later to become Princeton University), finishing its four-year course in two years but exhausting himself from overwork in the process. When he regained his health, he served in the state legislature (1776-79) and became known as a protégé of Thomas Jefferson. In this capacity, he became a prominent figure in Virginia state politics, helping to draft their declaration of religious freedom and persuading Virginia to give their northwestern territories (consisting of most of modern-day Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois) to the Continental Congress.
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Madison, James :: Presidents
Clinton, George :: Vice Presidents
Gerry, Elbridge :: Vice Presidents
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James Madison - Short biography from the official White House site.
Meta Description: [ Biography of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817). ]
James Madison - Provides a biography of American President James Madison. Includes a list of places named after him.
Meta Description: [ James Madison (March 16, 1751 - June 28, 1836) was the fourth (1809 - 1817) President of the United States. He was co-author, with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, of the Federalist Papers, and is viewed by some as the Father of the United States Constitution. ]
James Madison (1751-1836) - Biography of the former President from the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty.
James Madison - Mainstream Revolutionary - Links to speeches and other related documents of President James Madison.
James Madison Discussion Port - Forum for discussing the life and works of James Madison, from the Federalist Papers to the Constitution.
James Madison: His Legacy - A large collection of material and links from the James Madison Center of James Madison University.
Montpelier: The Home of James Madison - Virginia residence where Madison spent much of his life. Includes a look at the home's history and landscaping.
Meta Description: [ Montpelier is the lifelong home of James Madison, fourth U.S. President and Father of the Constitution. Montpelier today is a 2,750-acre estate that includes the Madison mansion, a terraced formal garden and panoramic landscape, a National Landmark Forest, and active archaeological sites. ]
The American President: James Madison - Fact file and comprehensive biographical sketch based on PBS series.
Meta Description: [ In-depth essays created by the University of Virginia on James Madison’s life and administration. ]
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The Federalist: Biography of James Madison - Brief biography which complements the Federalist Papers.
The James Madison Museum - Museum located in Orange, Virginia, dedicated to the memory of the fourth president and father of the Constitution. Includes a selection of essays and links.
Wikinfo - James Madison - Encyclopedia article which examines the life of President Madison.
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