James Madison Facts

If you are interested in learning about the presidents of the United States of America, you will probably want to know these James Madison facts. This man, who was the fourth president of the country, was a fascinating figure known for his work on the Constitution as well as his occupation of several prominent political positions.

Religious Views Madison was a devout Episcopalian and early in his career he was a passionate exponent of governmental promotion of Christianity, including printing and distributing the Bible with federal funds, as well as his belief in personal statements of faith by public officials. In later life, however, he softened his views and came to argue against the idea of religious tests for public officials.

Political Positions In addition to occupying the office of President, James Madison also occupied a number of other positions and occupations within the government. In 1776 he was a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention and from 1780 to 1783 he was a member of the Continental Congress. From 1789 to 1797 he served in the United States House of Representatives and served as Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1809 before serving two terms as president from 1808 to 1816.

Biographical Details James Madison was born to parents that were of English stock. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1771 and embarked on a career as a lawyer. With this training, he became one of the most prominent and influential framers of the Constitution, earning him the nickname “Father of the Constitution” (a nickname he supposedly heartily disliked). Madison was one of the primary authors of the Bill of Rights,and he was also well-known for writing several of the Federalist Papers. He is also famous for being the president during the War of 1812, during which time he had to flee the capital because of a British invasion. James Madison died in June 1836 at his estate in Montpelier, Virginia.

Family James Madison’s father was Colonel James Madison, his mother was Eleanor Rose Conway and Madison had eleven siblings. He was married to the famous Dolley Madison, who quickly established herself as a venerable and powerful presence in Washington, even saving the famous portrait of George Washington from being burned by the British. He was also a half first cousin, twice removed, of the famous first president George Washington.