United States History, Law and Politics

President James Madison

by William P. Meyers

James Madison was the 4th President of the United States of America. James was born on March 16, 1751, the son of a slave plantation owner. He was elected President in 1809 and served from March 4, 1809 until March 4, 1817. Although he played only a minor role in the American Revolution, he played a pivotal role in replacing the revolutionary Articles of Confederation with the conservative, pro-slavery U.S. Constitution. He wrote a number of the Federalist Papers. A slave owner, during his Presidency he started a war with Great Britain, known as the War of 1812, in order to conquer Canada. He died on June 28, 1836.

This page provides links to essays on James Madison, or to events during his presidency, by William P. Meyers, as well as links to external Web sites with related information.