Sketches of The American Founders: Madison

Born in 1751, Madison has been called the “Father of the Constitution” because of the importance of his role at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His records of the proceedings of that convention are the most heavily sighted. Though he was one of the authors of The Federalist Papers (along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay), his conduct demonstrated the spirit of reason so essential to American Democracy. When it came time to compromise with the anti-federalists, Madison applied his skills as a deft negotiator and led the way.

Madison promised the anti-federalists that he would introduce a Bill of Rights in the first Congress. The anti-federalists were concerned that the proposed constitution would not protect basic liberties of the people, such as free speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, due process of law, and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Relying on Madison’s promise, the anti-federalists compromised, and nine states ratified the Constitution.

The debate over how individual rights were to be protected raged in the state conventions until 1791, when Virginia ratified. By that ratification, the Constitution was amended to include the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments.

Madison was well prepared for his role in the creation of the nation, graduating from the College of New Jersey in 1771. He studied law and served with a committee that controlled a local militia in Virginia. By 1776, he joined the Virginia House of Delegates, and in 1779, he was elected to the Continental Congress.

He married Dolly Payne Todd in 1794.

Madison gave the nation many insights, including this one: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” Understanding the dangers of a standing army, he said, “The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.” On related issues of the executive, he warned, “If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.”

He was elected to the presidency in 1808 and served for two terms. He died in 1836, leaving no provision in his will for the release of his slaves.