James Madison

James Madison was born in 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia, and educated at the College of New Jersey (Princeton). A brilliant political theorist, he is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his central role in drafting the document and co-authoring The Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.

Madison served as Jefferson's Secretary of State before winning the presidency in 1808. His presidency was dominated by the War of 1812 against Britain, during which the British burned the White House and Capitol. Despite early military setbacks, the war ended with the Treaty of Ghent and Andrew Jackson's victory at New Orleans, boosting national pride.

After leaving office, Madison retired to his Virginia estate, Montpelier. He spent his later years editing his notes from the Constitutional Convention, which remain the most detailed record of those proceedings. He died in 1836, the last surviving signer of the Constitution.

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

“The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.”

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”