James Madison, America's 4th President

President James Madison was very similar to his predecessor, President Thomas Jefferson as both had the same political ideology and values.  President Madison’s life and career was devoted to public service from a very young age. He long admired being a student of history, law, and government, and spent his early years framing the Virginia Constitution, followed by service in the Continental Congress.  Prior to becoming America’s 4^th President, James Madison served as Secretary of State to President Jefferson for eight years.  Whereas Jefferson was very strong in writing, President Madison was at his best in public speaking, often times leading fierce debates regarding the political establishment of America.

While in Congress, he spearheaded the drafting of the Bill of Rights, earning him the nickname
“Father of the Bill of Rights.”  His heavy involvement as a Congressman was instrumental in the development of the Republican Party (also referred to the Republican-Democrat Party or the Jefferson Party).  This party was in competition with the Federalists to be the leading advocate for developing American policy and agenda.

During Madison’s Presidency, he asked Congress to declare war against the British, to send a powerful message that American independence from Britain was nonnegotiable.  The War of 1812, lasted only a few years, but provided America with a renewed sense of liberation, peace, nationalism, and prosperity.  It was during the War of 1812, that the Star Spangled Banner was written by Frances Scott Key.

Prior to the commencement of the War of 1812, lots of opposition existed from the North.  They felt it would be counterproductive to the economy, financially unsustainable, and that military personnel were inadequately trained. The anti-war establishment threatened to secede from America.   Opposition was led by the Federalists party and they were proven wrong.  America’s victory and the British surrender, led to the dismantling of the Federalists party and the blueprint for today’s two party system of Democrats and Republicans.

President Madison’s wife, Dolley, had a very charming and distinguished personality.  She is historically referred to as America’s “First Lady,” due to her social grace and welcoming demeanor. Although she was a widow with a child at the age of 24, that did not impact President Madison from falling in love with Dolley.  They were married in 1794, when she was 26 and lived a life of happiness, trust, and understanding of one another.  They had no children together, yet President Madison showed lots of patience to Dolly’s son, even though her son directly harmed President Madison’s financial affairs, by mismanaging his estate.

President Madison portrait was on the $5,000 bill, which stopped printing in the 1940’s and went out of circulation in the 1960’s.