James Madison Essay

James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, in Orange County, Virginia. He was the oldest of 12 children, and grew up into a wealthy family. His parents owned a tobacco plantation and owned slaves. James Madison attended Princeton University from 1769 to 1771. He became a lawyer but then later on got into politics. He married in September 24, 1794 to a woman named Dolly Payne Todd. They had no children together and were known for being opposites. Dolly was very outgoing, attractive, and nice, while Madison was known as shy, and serious. James Madison was also known for being a very small man. He was only 5’2” and weighed around 100 lbs. He later on became a politician and the fourth president of the United States. He served two terms during 1809-1817. While Madison was president he led America into the war of 1812 which was fought against Britain. This war was fought in order to protect America’s Economic rights. America won the war and it ended three years later in 1815. James Madison is known as “the father of the constitution” because he helped create the federal papers, the bill of rights and He was also one of the Founding Fathers, who helped create the constitution. He believed that America should fight against corruption and aristocracy and also wanted to ensure that republicanism in the United States. James Madison was also the secretary of state for Thomas Jefferson from 1801-1809. While serving as the secretary of state he supervised the Louisiana Purchase, which helped America by doubling our country’s size. James Madison died June, 28, 1836. He was 85 years old and died of debility. Overall James Madison changed America in many ways, through his presidency, and also his major contribution in creating the constitution. James Madison was a very important president, whose legacy will always be remembered.