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“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

James Madison, Jr. Federalist Orange County, Virginia

__State__ James Madison was born in and lived in Virginia for most of his life. Virginia was the first surviving British colony in North America and grew to be the most populous (around 750,000 people) by 1790. Tobacco exports were the major form of revenue for Virginia, giving rise to a social ranking with the wealthy plantation owners at the top and the numerous slaves and indentured servants at the bottom. Virginians, when not stricken with illness, enjoyed fertile soil, warm weather, and wide rivers.

__Occupation and Background__ James Madison grew up fatherless, but was a member of a wealthy planter family. In 1769, Madison enrolled into Princeton University. He was a very studious but had not decided on a career when he graduated. Having studied law, Madison entered politics and was a prominent figure in Virginia. He helped draft the state's constitution, and was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, the Council of State, and the Continental Congress.

__Constitutional Convention__ Madison was a representative for Virginia at the Convention. He recorded many of his observations on the Convention, helping Americans understand what went on. He also proposed the vital Virginia Plan, which set up the bicameral format and facilitation for the developing government. Due to his many contributions and hard work, Madison came to be called "the Father of the Constitution."

__Virginia's Ratification Convention__ James Madison led the Federalist force in Virginia, opposing Patrick Henry, to ensure the ratification of the Constitution with a 89 to 79 victory. He also contributed to the publishing of //The Federalist// p apers, which voiced Federalist arguments.

__References__ Thomas Jefferson was a fellow Virginian and friend who had previously worked with James Madison in their state's political offices and could be counted on to support the ratification of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton was also a vehement Federalist ally who wrote for //The Federalist// p apers with Madison. On the other hand, Richard Henry Lee was a standout antifederalist who voiced his opinions on the “hypocrite” federalists.

DeGregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of US Presidents//. New York: Wing Books, 1997. Print. Dudley, William. //The Creation of the Constitution: Opposing Viewpoints//. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1995. Print. "Federalist Papers." //Annals of American History//. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. .*