James Madison

James Madison was the fourth President of the United States. He is considered to be the "Father of the U.S. Constitution," and "Father of the Bill of Rights".

1. 1787: Drafted Virginia Plan, basis of the United States Constitution
2. 1787-1788: Co-wrote The Federalist Papers
3. 1791: Madison's Bill of Rights ratified
4. 1801-1809: 5th United States Secretaries of State
5. 1809-1817: 4th U.S. President

In 1812, the United States declared war on the United Kingdom because of what the U.S. claimed to be illegal trade restrictions among other reasons. During this war, Washington, DC was invaded by British troops and Madison had to escape to safety. Towards the end of 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812.

• 1751: Born in Port Conway, Virginia.

• 1769-1771: Attends College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).

• 1776: Elected Delegate to the Virginia Convention.

• 1780: Began serving as one of Virginia's Delegates to the Continental Congress.

• 1787: Presents his "Virginia Plan" - becomes building block for the Constitution.

• 1788: Co-authors The Federalist.

• 1789: Elected to the House of Representatives and sponsored the Bill of Rights.

• 1794: Marries Dolley Payne Todd.

• 1801: Death of his father, James Madison, Sr. and as eldest son inherits Montpelier.

• 1801-1809: Serves as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State.

• 1809: Inaugurated fourth President of the United States.

• 1812: Delivers war message to Congress (War of 1812).

• 1813: Begins second term as President.

• 1817: Retires from the Presidency to Montpelier, Virginia.

• 1836: Died on June 28 at Montpelier at age 85.

• The Reaction: Madison on suspicious sheltering and its constitutional consequences

• AlterNet: King George W.: James Madison's Nightmare

• FearOfClowns.com: Question & answer with James Madison: separation of church and state

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