James Madison (1751-1836)
Born in Virginia, James Madison played a role in most of the significant political events over a 40-year period from 1776, when he began his political career, to 1817, when he completed his second term as the fourth president of the United States. He participated in the Continental Congress, and because of his leadership role in writing and ratifying the U.S. Constitution, is considered the "Father of the Constitution." He was one of three authors of The Federalist Papers. He supported a strong central government, apolitical theory that coalesced as the platform of the Federalist party. This party and its opposition, the Federalists, formed the basis of a bipartisan political system which continues today. He wrote the first 12 amendments to the Constitution, ten of which were ratified as the Bill of Rights. One of the two not ratified, regarding congressional pay raises, was later ratified as the 27th Amendment in May 1992. Elected president in 1808, he presided through the War of 1812 and fled Washington, D.C. in August 1814, when the British invaded and set the public buildings, the Capitol, and the White House afire.
Additional Information Can Be Found At...
Encyclopedia Americana: James Madison
Madison, James - Encarta Online Deluxe
American Presidents: Life Portraits