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James Madison's Influence On Government

Decent Essays

Sarah Stevenson
C.P. U.S. Government/ Economics
Mr. Russell
7th Pd.
James Madison James Madison took his first breath on March 16, 1751, in the town of Port Conway, Virginia. The young James, oldest of twelve other siblings, grew up in Orange County with his parents, Colonel James Madison, Senior and Eleanor Rose Conway. His father, a prominent figure in local affairs, owned a 3,000 acre tobacco plantation where Madison learned hard work ethic. His father sent him away at age twelve to a boarding school run by Donald Robertson, and the young scholar quickly soaked up all the knowledge he could. Foreign language, mathematics, and geography filled his days, and the young boy thrived under his talented instructor. Within time, Madison attended …show more content…

During this part of his life, James Madison met Thomas Jefferson, who later became an important counselor and friend. James Madison strongly supported the American-French alliance during the revolution and kept up diplomatic relations and counsel with French mainly by himself. Of his important documents, Madison worked the Virginia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. The Virginia boy worked on the proposed Virginia Plan, which would later combine with the New Jersey plan when scribing the official document. Most people refer to him as the “Father of the Constitution,” for the federalist pioneered a strong central government with three branches, each keeping the other in check. In his notes, the future president captured the ambiance of the convention, letting future Americans get an idea of how our founding fathers treated the situation. Along with his two pals Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Madison wrote The Federalist papers which also “commented” on the makings of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Bill of Rights` success owes much credit to Madison for his general support and …show more content…

He won the position against a Federalist in 1807 with the wide majority of public votes checking his name on the ballot. With ongoing problems with the two European superpowers, Britain and France, Madison repealed an earlier trade embargo to isolate the two countries in a new one. Banning trade between the U.S. merchants and these countries essentially did little to mend the animosity. Still, some American ships ignored these laws, so America still had issues with Britain and France seizing these ships. After winning the revolutions, Americans felt like they were backing down from their enemies, something they chose not to do with success in years past. Madison urged Congress to wage war on Britain at the will of his nation`s people in 1812. The War of 1812, a poor war for America, continued into Madison`s second presidential term. Britain eventually invaded and caused much destruction, but American once again beat the odds and finally won a few battles against Britain. In 1815, both countries, tired of the constant war, signed a treaty, and Madison retired from office in

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