The Constitution was ratified in 1789 and it became the supreme law of the United States. Madison then went on to serve four terms in the United States House of Representatives. During that time he helped the Bill of Rights get passed into law, protecting the basic rights of citizens. Later, he became the Secretary of State for his friend President . Madison's Presidency James Madison was elected as the fourth president of the United States in 1808. The main event during Madison's presidency was the War of 1812 with Britain. France and Britain were at war. Madison did not want to enter the war, but Britain was seizing U.S. trade ships. Madison finally felt he had no choice and in 1812 Biography of Madison (continued) he asked Congress to declare war on Britain. Unfortunately, the U.S. was in no position to fight the British and lost many battles, including one where the British marched on Washington D.C. and burned the White House and the Capitol. However, the final battle of the war, the Battle of Orleans, was a victory led by General Andrew Jackson. This helped the country to feel they had done well and raised Madison's popularity. During Madison's term as President, the "Star-Spangled Banner" was written by Francis Scott Key, steamboats began to operate, gaslights were introduced, many new roads were being built (mostly by private companies), parts of became U.S. territory, and Native Americans lost lands and power in many areas. Years Madison retired to Montpelier, his home in Virginia, in 1817. Late in life, he worked in the Virginia Constitutional Convention, helped Jefferson establish the University of Virginia, and worked against slavery. Madison died on June 28, 1836. He was 85 years old. He was the last person alive who had signed the U.S. Constitution.
The Constitution was ratified in 1789 and it became the supreme law of the United States. Madison then went on to serve four terms in the United States House of Representatives. During that time he helped the Bill of Rights get passed into law, protecting the basic rights of citizens. Later, he became the Secretary of State for his friend President . Madison's Presidency James Madison was elected as the fourth president of the United States in 1808. The main event during Madison's presidency was the War of 1812 with Britain. France and Britain were at war. Madison did not want to enter the war, but Britain was seizing U.S. trade ships. Madison finally felt he had no choice and in 1812 Biography of Madison (continued) he asked Congress to declare war on Britain. Unfortunately, the U.S. was in no position to fight the British and lost many battles, including one where the British marched on Washington D.C. and burned the White House and the Capitol. However, the final battle of the war, the Battle of Orleans, was a victory led by General Andrew Jackson. This helped the country to feel they had done well and raised Madison's popularity. During Madison's term as President, the "Star-Spangled Banner" was written by Francis Scott Key, steamboats began to operate, gaslights were introduced, many new roads were being built (mostly by private companies), parts of became U.S. territory, and Native Americans lost lands and power in many areas. Years Madison retired to Montpelier, his home in Virginia, in 1817. Late in life, he worked in the Virginia Constitutional Convention, helped Jefferson establish the University of Virginia, and worked against slavery. Madison died on June 28, 1836. He was 85 years old. He was the last person alive who had signed the U.S. Constitution.