James Madison, Jr. (March 16, 1751 (O.S. March 5) – June 28, 1836) was an American states
man and political theorist. He was the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817) and is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being instrumental in the drafting of the United States Constitution and as the key champion and author of the United States Bill of Rights. He inherited tobacco land and owned slaves although he spent his entire adult life as a career politician.

After the constitution had been drafted, he became one of the leaders in the movement to ratify the constitution. He was also a delegate to the Virginia constitutional ratifying convention, and was instrumental to the successful ratification effort in Virginia. Like most of his contemporaries, his political views changed over his life. During the drafting and ratification of the constitution, he favored a strong national government, though later he grew to favor stronger state governments, before settling in in between the two extremes late in his life.

After his election to the presidency, he presided over renewed prosperity for several years. As president (1809–17), after the failure of diplomatic protests and an embargo, he led the nation into the War of 1812. The war was an administrative nightmare without a strong army or financial system, leading Madison afterwards to support a stronger national government and a strong military, as well as the national bank that he had long opposed.

If you're interested in his personality and contribution to the development of America, I advice you to visit these sites:

• http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jamesmadison
• www.ipl.org/div/potus/jmadison.html
• www.presidentsusa.net/madison.html
• millercenter.org/president/madison
• www.uspoliticalhistory.com/Madison_1.html