James Madison

James Madison
1751 - 1836
4th President of the United States

The 5'4" James Madison did not marry until age 43, when he wed the 26-year old widow, Dolley Todd. Despite their age difference, Dolley and "Jemmy" were deeply in love. Dolley's social graces added to Madison's popularity as president. She was the first person to serve ice cream in the White House, at Madison's second inaugural ball.

Essential Facts

Constructed the Virginia Plan, which became the template for the U.S. Constitution
Wrote the majority of the Federalist Papers
Wrote the Bill of Rights as a compromise with the Anti-Federalists
Negotiated the Louisiana Purchase as Secretary of State
Declared war on England in 1812 and fought the War of 1812 to a "successful" stalemate

SEs: 8(17)(A)