James Madison

4th President of the United States

Years in Office: 1809-1817

Party: Democratic - Republican

Did you know?

James Madison was only 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed less than 100 pounds, making him the shortest and lightest president in U.S. history.

James Madison

James Madison, often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," was the fourth President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. Born on March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia, Madison played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. As a key architect of the Constitution, he contributed significantly to the debates during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Madison's presidency faced challenges such as the War of 1812, a conflict with Britain that tested the young nation's resolve. Despite initial setbacks, the war ultimately bolstered American nationalism. Madison is also remembered for promoting religious freedom and the separation of church and state. His political career included serving as Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson.

Beyond his presidential legacy, Madison's scholarly contributions, particularly in "The Federalist Papers" (co-authored with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay), remain influential in understanding the intentions of the Founding Fathers. James Madison's dedication to the principles of representative government and individual liberties solidifies his status as a pivotal figure in American history.