* James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, at Port Conway, Virginia.
* He was the eldest son of James Madison Sr., a wealthy planter, and Nelly Conway Madison.
* He had several siblings, including William, who later became the fourth President of the United States.
* Madison received his early education from private tutors and attended the College of William and Mary from 1769 to 1772.
* He studied law and political philosophy and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society.
American Revolution and Political Career
* During the American Revolution, Madison served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1776 to 1779 and again from 1784 to 1786.
* He also served in the Continental Congress from 1780 to 1783 and helped draft the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States.
* In 1787, Madison was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he played a key role in drafting the U.S. Constitution.
* He is often considered the "Father of the Constitution" for his contributions to its creation.
Presidency (1809-1817)
* Madison served as the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817.
* His presidency was marked by several major events, including the War of 1812, the burning of Washington, D.C., by British forces in 1814, and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1815, which ended the war.
* Madison was a proponent of a strong federal government and a supporter of the Democratic-Republican Party.
Later Life and Death
* After his presidency, Madison retired to Montpelier, his estate in Virginia.
* He continued to be active in public life, serving as the president of the University of Virginia from 1826 to 1836.
* He also wrote several political and historical essays.
* James Madison died on June 28, 1836, at Montpelier.
Legacy
* Madison is considered one of the most important figures in American history.
* He is remembered as a brilliant statesman, a gifted writer, and a dedicated advocate for the principles of democracy and republican government.
* His ideas and contributions to the founding of the United States have had a profound and lasting impact on American politics and society.