James Madison, America’s 4th President

James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution” – for good reason. Slight of build, he is a giant in history. On our 250^th Anniversary, recalling him is worth the time.

Facts you may not know about this man, who took the notes at the Constitutional Convention, guided our “Bill of Rights,” and served as the fourth President, are riveting.

A lifetime friend of his neighbor Thomas Jefferson, he was barely five feet four inches in height, reportedly weighed only 100 pounds, spoke quietly, was often ill, yet was good-humored, persistent to a fault, and never gave up.

Like Washington, Adams, and Jefferson before him – our first, second, and third presidents – Madison was always about learning, self-improvement, and reading.

He attended what today is Princeton University, completing a four-year degree in two years, focusing on law, religion, and philosophy, and studied Hebrew and other languages.

Like Jefferson, he loved books, amassing a library of 4000 volumes in his lifetime, keeping them eventually at his home called Montpellier in the Virginia mountains, very near Jefferson’s Monticello.  

Friends said he was always telling stories. They called him “Jemmy,” a kind name for a president. He was quick of wit, reportedly loved word play and was funny, enjoyed holding BBQs, wearing hats, walked with a cane made of animal horn.

Unlike Washington, more like Jefferson, Madison was almost timid, better and more comfortable writing than speaking in public, although good at both.

Notably, Madsion was a craftsman of history as well as living it. He wrote George Washington’s “first inaugural address in 1789 … then drafted Congress’s response to that speech, ensuring its tone aligned with Washington’s vision.”

Not to let history get out of hand, or big differences overwhelm hopes, he also “authored Washington’s reply to Congress, meaning Madison effectively wrote all three exchanges for the first U.S. presidential inauguration.”

Madsion defended the “Electoral College” as a critical buttress of the republic, preventing “tyranny of the majority” by empowering smaller states for all time, a topic discussed lately again as some push to eliminate this democratic institution.

On the funny side – yet true, Madison suggested chartering a “national brewery and appointing a ‘Secretary of Beer’ to the Cabinet, noting that beer was part of American culture.

On the serious side – also true, Madison co-wrote with Alexander Hamilton the “Federalist Papers,” persuading Americans to ratify the Constitution.

Madison had two vice presidents in his term, George Clinton and Elbridge Gerry, the latter a force behind the “Bill of Rights.” Both died in office. When Madson finished his term, he was without a vice president.

Madison’s wife, Dolley, loved to have parties at the White House, and especially loved to serve ice cream, including “oyster ice cream, a flavor popular at the time.” She added other novelties, including “Parmesan and asparagus ice cream.”

Madison was probably – with Washington, Adams, and Jefferson – among the most scholarly of the Founders and early presidents, the last of the Founders to die.

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe all died on July 4^th. However, when Madison got sick on June 28, 1836, and a doctor thought he could prolong his life to July 4^th – Madison declined, preferring just a natural departure.

So much is worth studying about our Founders, none more interesting than James Madison. Just a bit to ponder as we move into celebrating their lives and America.

Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, Maine attorney, ten-year naval intelligence officer (USNR), and 25-year businessman. He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (North Country Press, 2018), and “Cherish America: Stories of Courage, Character, and Kindness” (Tower Publishing, 2024). He is the National Spokesman for AMAC. Today, he is running to be Maine’s next Governor (please visit BobbyforMaine.com to learn more)!