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Madison graduates.
From 1762 Madison studies away from home, returning to the new family house, Montpellier, aged sixteen to prepare for college. In 1769, he enrolls at the College of New Jersey where he enjoys debating. Madison graduates two years later. -
Madison enters Continental Congress.
Madison becomes the youngest delegate to the Continental Congress in 1780 and gains a good reputation persuading Virginia to give up northwestern territorial claims to create the Northwest Territory in 1783. Madison is critical of "excessive democracy" and believes legislatures should act in the interest of the wider state -
Madison is hailed as the Father of the Constitution.
Madison believes the Articles of Confederation expose the fledgling country to social unrest, financial debt and foreign attack. Madison urges a national convention in 1787, persuades Washington to chair the meeting and draws up the Virginia Plan which forms the framework of the constitution. -
Madison ensures the constitution is ratified.
The Constitution is ratified in each state, a process which is led by Madison and supported by the publication of his Federalist Papers in New York. -
Madison is elected to the House of Representatives
Madison is elected to the House of Representatives in 1789 and introduces the Bill of Rights, guaranteeing civil liberties. He breaks away from George Washington, instead joining Thomas Jefferson to form the Democratic-Republican party. Madison fights the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts. -
Madison marries Dolley Payne Todd.
Madison, who is a shy and retiring 43-year-old, marries 26-year-old Dolley Payne Todd, a vivacious widow with a young son. Dolley is popular and later makes a name for herself as a wonderful hostess in the White House. -
Madison is appointed Secretary of State.
Madison supports Jefferson's Presidential campaign and serves as Secretary of State when the party is victorious. Madison is credited with shaping the foreign policy, which is dominated by the Napoleonic wars in Europe. -
Madison is elected President.
The Federalists believe they will easily win the elections after the Embargo Act disaster and rely on a fierce anti-Madison campaign. In fact Madison is elected President by a landslide of 122 votes to 44. -
Madison becomes president of the American Colonization Society.
Madison co-founded the American Colonization Society in 1816 with the aim of returning freed slaves to Africa. However, the majority of African Americans resist, wanting to remain in America where they are born and believe they have worked for the right of citizenship. -
death
1836 (June 28) Died at Montpelier, his family estate.
