James Madison, Public Servant

Long relegated to the shadows of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the role of James Madison in shaping America, its ideals, and its institutions resonates in the very soul of our nation. A lifelong public servant, Madison was a critical if underappreciated architect of the American Republic. Gary L. Roses James Madison, Public Servant shines an essential light on Madisons wide-ranging legacy. An accomplished presidential scholar and political commentator, Rose begins with a brief treatment of the Madison familys roots and early life in the Piedmont region of Virginia and his time as a student at the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University). It was there that Madisons values of democratic government and personal liberty became ingrained thanks to the teachings of that institutions president, the renowned scholar John Witherspoon.Rose presents Madisons captivating journey through the War of Independence, including his roles as a delegate to Virginias constitutional convention, appointment to the Governors Council, and selection as a member of the Continental Congress. Readers will learn of Madisons essential role at the national Constitutional Convention in 1787, which immortalized him as The Father of the Constitution. As a co-author of the Federalist Papers, along with his skillful argumentation at Virginias ratifying convention, Madison was instrumental in securing the Constitutions ratification by the states. Three public offices followed: four terms as a member of the U.S. Congress, during which time he authored the Bill of Rights; eight years as Thomas Jeffersons Secretary of State, and two terms as our nations fourth president. Madisons presidency included a declared war against the United Kingdom, referred to by his political adversaries as Mr. Madisons War. He also left a profound legacy in the formation of a political party committed to the principles of Jeffersonian republicanism.Roses concise treatment of James Madisons public service is essential reading for anyone invested in our nations political norms and institutions.