James Madison was born in 1751; he was the eldest of 12 children. He belonged to a wealthy Virginian family. James was a small child and was neither healthy nor boisterous; he spent a lot of time reading. He married Dolley Payne Todd later in life and had no children. Madison attended the College of New Jersey which later took the name Princeton University; he took a liking to history and politics, which opened wider doors for the future president of the United States. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified; while a member of the Virginia State Legislature, Madison helped create the Virginia State Constitution. He also became a very important part of the changes to the Articles of Confederation, there were 85 essays combined, Madison wrote 29 which were known as the "Federalist Papers", he requested that an amendment be made to the Constitution, it created the importance of the Declaration of Independence, which in turn led to the implementation of the Bill of Rights. Madison's overall contribution to the U.S. Constitution earned him the nickname "Father of the Constitution." Madison pointed out that there were weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, a few of which would soon be amended, including that the central government had no executive branch which resulted in no unity in policymaking and no way to coordinate the work of different committees, had no judicial system, and Congress had no power to levy or collect taxes - it could only raise money by borrowing or asking for money. money to the States. . James Madison was inspired by change. Madison introduced the first amendments (additions) to the Constitution, now known as the Bill of Rights. One of Madison's most influential essays...... middle of paper ...... financially stable. In 1813, the Treaty of Ghent ended without a winner. In 1815, Madison once again led the nation in a war called the Second Barbary War, which the Americans won. Madison had an impressive political career and retired two years later in 1817. In 1836, Madison died on his family plantation in Virginia. Leaving the legacy of an evolving world we live in today. Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” he helped draft much of the Constitution. He also wrote 29 of the 85 “federalist documents” to have the Constitution approved. Madison was for the people, he wrote the Bill of Rights, standing up for the American people. He helped found the Democratic Republican Party with Thomas Jefferson. After learning his lesson as the fourth president fighting two wars, he understood the importance of having a strong federal government. President James Madison will forever remain in our history.