James Madison

Father of the Constitution

Fourth President of the United StatesBy Robert Fleming

The Early Years• Born in 1751 to James and

Eleanor Madison in Port Conway, Virginia

• Grew up in Orange County, Virginia and later inherited his father’s estate, Montpelier

• Grew up on a plantation among slaves

• Received his early education at home, then received formal education at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton

• Very involved in Virginia State politics

Family Life

• Married Dolley Payne Todd at age 43

• They had no children but it is reported that they had a great life together

• Dolley Madison became famous as a First Lady and for saving many important items during War of 1812

Historical Contribution

• Constitutional Convention Delegate from Virginia

• Proposed the Virginia Plan which became basis for Constitution

• Kept a Journal of the proceedings

• 4th President of the U.S.

• Declared War on Britain in 1812

Related People or Events

• Madison served as Secretary of State to Thomas Jefferson

• He developed friendships with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin

• Andrew Jackson was a trusted General in War of 1812

The After Years

• Madison became involved in the founding of U of Virginia with Thomas Jefferson

• Did they do something else interesting• Plagued with chronic illness, he was confined to

his home for much of his later life• Died 1836 at his home in Orange County, VA• Any famous ancestors?

Works Cited

• http://moderntimes.vcdh.virginia.edu/madison/exhibit/index.html

• http://www.encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761576510

• http://www.historyguy.com/HistoricalDocuments.html