James Madison

Born in 1751, Madison was brought up in Orange County, Virginia, and attended Princeton (then called the College of New Jersey). A student of history and government, well-read in law, he participated in the framing of the Virginia Constitution in 1776, served in the Continental Congress, and was a leader in the Virginia Assembly. "Father of the Constitution"

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Lesson Plans | Primary Sources |

 

Lesson Plans:

James Madison: From Father of the Constitution to President - Even in its first 30 years of existence, the U.S. Constitution had to prove its durability and flexibility in a variety of disputes. More often than not, James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," took part in the discussion.

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Daily LIfe and Diversity in 18th Century Philadelphia - In this education program, students will develop an understanding of daily life in 18th century Philadelphia by exploring the people, material culture, and larger historical context related to four specific households. Including James Madison's wife, Dolley Payne Todd.

Primary Source Documents:

The James Madison Papers - The James Madison Papers from the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress consist of approximately 12,000 items captured in some 72,000 digital images. They document the life of the man who came to be known as the "Father of the Constitution" through correspondence, personal notes, drafts of letters and legislation, an autobiography, legal and financial documents, and miscellaneous manuscripts. The collection is organized into six series dating from 1723 to 1836.

James Madison Ciphers/Secret Codes - As a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, while secretary of state, and in his personal correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, James Madison feared constantly that unauthorized people would seek to read his private and public correspondence. To deter such intrusions, he resorted to a variety of codes and ciphers.

Federalist Papers
Madison's Biography
War of 1812