Who was James Madison?

James Madison was a Founding Father of the United States, who served as its fourth president from 1809 to 1812.

What happened during James Madison's presidency?

James Madison's presidency was primarily concerned with the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom.

Why was James Madison called the Father of the Constitution?

James Madison was called the 'Father of the Constitution' because of his efforts to bring it into existence, such as his Virginia Plan, his work on the Federalist Papers, and his sponsorship of the Bill of Rights.

Where did James Madison live?

James Madison lived on the 5,000-acre plantation of Montpelier in Virginia.

James Madison Timeline

Definition

James Madison (1751-1836) was a statesman, diplomat, and a Founding Father of the United States, who served as the fourth US president from 1809 to 1817. He played an important role in the drafting of the United States Constitution and the implementation of the Bill of Rights, while his presidency was largely characterized by the War of 1812 against Britain.

More about: James Madison

Timeline

16 Mar 1751
Birth of James Madison at the Belle Grove plantation in Virginia.
Apr 1776
James Madison attends the Fifth Virginia Convention, contributes to the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
1780 - 1783
James Madison serves on the Continental Congress, becomes convinced of the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation.
29 May 1787
Edmund Randolph introduces the Virginia Plan, drafted by James Madison, to the Convention, which calls for a strong federal government, a bicameral Congress, and proportional state representation.
17 Sep 1787
39 delegates sign the United States Constitution; the Constitution is sent to the states for ratification and the Constitutional Convention comes to an end.
Oct 1787 - May 1788
The Federalist Papers are written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius', in support of the ratification of the US Constitution.
27 Jun 1788
Thanks to the efforts of James Madison and John Marshall, Virginia votes to ratify the US Constitution.
15 Dec 1791
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution - the Bill of Rights - are ratified.
16 Sep 1794
James Madison and Dolley Payne Todd are married in Virginia.
1 May 1801
The Madisons arrive in Washington, D.C. so James can take up his office as secretary of state.
4 Mar 1809
Dolley Madison holds an inaugural ball for her husband's inauguration as the fourth US president.
4 Mar 1812
James Madison begins his second presidential term.
1 Jun 1812
President Madison asks Congress for a declaration of war against the United Kingdom which is granted 17 days later.
24 Aug 1814
The British burn Washington, D.C.; Dolley Madison directs her servants to save valuables, including the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington.
24 Dec 1814
The Treaty of Ghent is signed, bringing an end to the War of 1812 and restoring pre-war borders.
4 Mar 1817
The Madisons leave office at the end of James' second term as president.
1830
The Madisons are forced to mortgage half of the Montpelier plantation to pay off the gambling debts of Dolley's son, John Payne Todd.
28 Jun 1836
James Madison dies at Montpelier, at the age of 85.
12 Jul 1849
Dolley Madison dies at the age of 81.