James Madison: Father of the Constitution (1809 - 1817)

James Madison was a tiny fellow, but he packed a political punch. He was absolutely pivotal in the drafting of both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and he started the Democratic-Republican Party with Thomas Jefferson, all before becoming president in 1809. We wrap up a lot of the early history of the United States in this clip, so take a look!

Script by Michael Thomas

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[ExMachina]

James Madison's ability to change his views over time shows an intellect you rarely can find in people.

[carolinecorman]

Probably the best president, or one of the best. Brilliant man.

[meltvision]

Thanks to DNA I find out Madison is my cousin....that is a trip! Thanks for posting this...glad I found it.

[AYVYN]

I don’t think James Maddison and Alexander Hamilton knew how powerful our government would become. Even our state governments hold more power than some countries. Many people view the Bill of Rights as a granting of power to individuals, instead of the restriction of the Government. I wonder what they would think of the current situation

[ashleighstratmann]

Dolly Madison also saved the portrait of George Washington. Documents and that she saved was important as something for and by the government, but the portrait was important as a symbol of honor to our first president since we didn't have the Washington Monument at the time. Not to mention a reminder of the man who led our country to victory in the first American Revolution during the War of 1812 since it was also nicknamed the Second American Revoiution

[jonmeador]

Madison was our greatest advocate for the separstion of church and state.

[lorilawlove]

My Husband and I just got our AncestryDNA results in about a week ago. I got a message from them saying that James Madison is my distant cousin. I love that thought. I wonder if that info is trustworthy. The one thing I thought was interesting was all the men on that side of our family are super short. Lol I am still looking into this find. Any suggestions anyone?...

[JoshMaxPower]

Just found your channel really enjoying it!👍

[marymarcrespo]

this video really helps me with my project thank you!

[masielo]

I was born on 16 of march as well and I'm proud!

[sarahluvssing]

See guys? William Henry Harrison did more than just serve the shortest term!

[nathanbaumer]

Wasn't Dolly Madison considered the first coined "first I remember hearing that but I may be mistaken.

[budjeansonne]

James Madison did not attend Princeton. He attended the College of New Jersey which later became Princeton.

[HistoryNerd]

Juat a heads up that is the 1700's union Jack for the War of 1812 you're missing Ireland

[richardkean]

To talk about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights without mentioning Roger Williams who planted the seeds that brought about this document is not telling the whole story.

[akashtheocardozo]

Respected sir, what are your qualifications ?

[shampoofully]

I’m ever so slightly less dumb. Little by little!

[mikepeine]

constitutions have been round for 5, 000 years . the colonist enjoyed the 1689 bill of rights . George Mason Lord Fairfax etc …

[charleskeefer]

Indoor plumbing, well know how to make a lot more than a glass of wine.

[thecolourpurple]

I don't get Hamilton's botany joke at 9:33. can someone explain it to me?