James Madison: A Detailed Biography

James Madison (1751–1836) — fourth President of the United States, principal author of the Constitution, and champion of the Bill of Rights — is rightly called the “Father of the Constitution.” Short in stature but towering in intellect, he shaped the American republic more than any other individual except perhaps Washington. This biography covers his Virginia childhood, Constitutional Convention leadership, presidency during the War of 1812, and final years at Montpelier, as documented by the James Madison’s Montpelier, the Library of Congress, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Early Life and Education

Virginia Planter’s Son

Born on March 16, 1751, at Port Conway, Virginia, Madison grew up at Montpelier, the family’s large Orange County plantation. Frail health kept him from military service, but he graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in two years, studying history, philosophy, and law, as documented by the Montpelier Foundation.

Revolution and Confederation

Youngest Member of the Continental Congress

At age 29 he became the youngest delegate to the Continental Congress (1780–1783). Frustrated by the weak Articles of Confederation, he spearheaded the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, as detailed in his own Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention.

Father of the Constitution

The Virginia Plan and Convention Notes

Madison arrived with the Virginia Plan — the framework that became the U.S. Constitution. His detailed daily notes remain the best record of the Convention. He engineered the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature) and the three-fifths clause.

Federalist Papers and Bill of Rights

Co-author of The Federalist

With Hamilton and Jay, Madison wrote 29 of the 85 Federalist essays — especially the famous Federalist No. 10 on factions and No. 51 on checks and balances, available at the Library of Congress.

Bill of Rights (1789–1791)

To secure Anti-Federalist support, Madison drafted and guided the first 10 amendments through Congress — guaranteeing freedoms of speech, religion, press, and more.

Secretary of State and President

Jefferson’s Ally (1801–1809)

As Jefferson’s Secretary of State, he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase (1803).

Presidency and War of 1812 (1809–1817)

Elected fourth president in 1808, Madison led the nation into the War of 1812 against Britain. The British burned Washington in 1814, but victories at Baltimore (inspiring “The Star-Spangled Banner”) and New Orleans (1815) ended the war honourably.

Personal Life and Dolley

In 1794 the 43-year-old bachelor married 26-year-old widow Dolley Payne Todd. Childless together, Dolley became the capital’s greatest hostess and saved priceless artifacts (including the Washington portrait of Washington) when the British torched the White House, as preserved by the White House Historical Association.

Retirement and Death

Last Years at Montpelier

After leaving office in 1817, Madison retired to Montpelier. He advised on the Virginia Constitution of 1830 and outlived all other Framers. He died on June 28, 1836, at age 85 — the last surviving signer of the Constitution.

Death and Legacy

James Madison’s Enduring Impact

Madison’s framework of separated powers, federalism, and protected liberties remains the foundation of American government. Montpelier is now a national historic site dedicated to his life and the Constitution, as presented by the Montpelier Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Madison

Why Is James Madison Called the Father of the Constitution?

He drafted the Virginia Plan, kept the Convention’s only detailed notes, and engineered its major compromises.

What Did James Madison Do for the Bill of Rights?

He wrote and pushed the first 10 amendments through Congress in 1789–1791.

Where Was James Madison Born?

Port Conway, Virginia, March 16, 1751.

Who Was Dolley Madison?

His wife (1794–1836) and legendary First Lady who saved the Washington portrait in 1814.

Was James Madison a Federalist or Democratic-Republican?

He began as a Federalist but co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party with Jefferson.

What War Happened During Madison’s Presidency?

The War of 1812 — the only war in which the White House was burned.

How Did James Madison Die?

Congestive heart failure on June 28, 1836, at Montpelier — the last surviving signer of the Constitution.