Biography of James Madison
...ed to the Second Continental Congress, and served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. In the spring of 1787 James Madison traveled to Philadelphia to attend the Constitutional Convention. Madison's dedication and hard work during the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution earned him the title of “Father of the Constitution” at the age of 36. In 1780, Madison was elected to the Continental Congress, where he served for almost four years. In Congress, Madison helped frame the Bill of Rights and enact the first revenue legislation. He became one of the leaders of the supposed nationalist group, supported the French alliance, and steadily worked to strengthen the powers of Congress. After the ratification of the peace treaty and dismissal of the army in 1783, Madison was believed to be a strong advocate for a stronger national government. When he retired from Congress in 1783, he had a good reputation as a very knowledgeable and efficient debater and legislator. In the spring of 1794 James was introduced to the Quaker widow Dolley Payne Todd. The summer courtship of James and Dolley was brief and the couple married at Dolley's sister's home on September 15, 1794. James and Dolley were married for 41 years and never had children of their own. Dolley's first marriage had produced 2 children. Dolley's son John Payne Todd was raised as James Madison's son. In March of 1801 Madison was appointed Secretary of State under long-time friend and neighbor Thomas Jefferson. James and Dolley left Montpelier to live in Washington for the next 16 years. Madison served two terms as Secretary of State in the Jefferson administration, and then was elected as fourth President of the United States in 1808. At this time, the Embargo Act was repealed just before he took office. During the first year of Madison's Administration, the United States prohibited trade with both Britain and France, and then in May of 1810, Congress authorized trade with both, directing the President, if either would accept America's view of neutral rights, to forbid trade with the other nation. During Madison's administration, war with Great Britain broke out in 1812. In 1814 British soldiers burned the White House, and the president and first lady were able to escape. Madison was very much a leader, and almost always accomplished what he set out to do. When he believed in something, not only did he take up a position for it, he worked with a passion, inspiring others to do the same. You might expect someone with such leadership potential to be arrogant and abusive of his power, but Madison also worked alongside others. Through committees, groups, on boards and councils, he showed that he valued teamwork and cared for the future of the country as a whole as well as the individual needs of each citizen. This trait was a big plus for our new civilization, because when people are happy, their country prospers. A group of people, each pulling a different direction, not listening to others and being closed minded can not be expected to come to an agreement on anything, much less can they carry the responsibility of forming a successful, long-lasting civilization. However individua...