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 * James Madison

**  // "A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce, or a tragedy, or perhaps both." //

Elbridge Gerry (1813-1814) None-due to death of Elbridge Gerry (1814-1817)
 * Full name:** James Madison, Jr.
 * Birth-Death date:** March 16, 1751 - June 28, 1836
 * Political Party:** Democratic-Republican
 * Date/Number of terms:** 2 terms (1809-1812) (1813-1817)
 * Vice President:** George Clinton (1809-1812)

James Madison is famed with being the 'Father of the Constitution,' and his great ideas toward the construction of the government. However that may be true, he had also contributed greatly to the country as the fourth president. Madison shall be graded with a B for his presidency because he had strictly followed and upheld the Constitution and left the country in a fantastic state, but he had failed to prevent war. In the end of his presidency he had left a positive everlasting impact on the nation, which is the most important action one can do to serve their country.
 * Rating of President:**

James Madison's most important goal was to stay neutral with foreign countries. He had made every attempt and technique to avoid war, but in the end he could not stay in peace with Britain. He had also wanted to make sure the Constitution was followed and interpreted strictly. He disagreed with Congress and the people numerous times in order to follow the laws the document request. He had been successful in this goal.

President Madison's relationship with Congress was fairly sufficient. In the beginning of his presidency he was not able to dominate the Congress even though majority of the legislation was of his party. They had passed Macon 's Bill No. 2, even though Madison did not fully approve. Madison had planned to use his power of his veto wisely, but ended up vetoing up to seven bills. For example, he had rejected a bill that attempted to institute an Epispicol church because it went against the first amendment in the Bill of Rights. However, Madison had asked Congress to declare war, the War of 1812, which they had eventually approved. James Madison had also asked Congress to create a second bank of the United States, which they did obediently. After the war, President Madison's relationship with Congress had significantly increased.

The President's worst mistake was the failure to prevent war. Like the other three president's before him, he had inference with European countries. However, Madison had used diplomatic techniques to attempt to make peace, such as passing the Non-Importation Act. He had succeeded in making peace with France with Macon 's Bill No. 2. However, the deal with France resulted in England establishing the Embargo Act with America and leading to the declaration of war. Despite the aftermath of the war, the war itself was a waste of time, energy, money and men. The young country was neither prepared nor able to win and defeat one of the most powerful countries successfully without aid. The United States were in the process of prospering, and were extremely ill prepared to fight. In result, the war had ended in a draw between the two countries, which did not make America superior to England. Possible talk of secession was even discussed at the Hartford Convention, which was a result from the War of 1812. The war was unnecessary and should have been prevented, but Madison had failed to do so.

James Madison's best action may have been creating a second bank of the United States. As a Democratic Republican, Madison at first did not revive the National Bank when it had expired. However, he came to terms that it was extremely difficult to finance a war without one, and therefore created the second national bank. This action itself may not seem very important, but it helped bolster the economy and financial issues of the country. Also, it proved that Madison could adapt to the countries needs, and make important decisions that were best for the common good.

Madison influenced many future presidents to uphold the Constitution as the law of the land. He had vetoed continuously against Congress because of the unconstitutional acts they were attempting to pass. This action allowed the citizens and future generation of presidents to realize how important the Constitution was, and how strict and loose the laws were to be followed. He is also the first president to handle war. He demonstrated how war shall be handled as a president if unavoidable,

The country was certainly better off after Madison 's presidency. The War of 1812 aftermath left the country in a better state than it had been before. Nationalism had swept the country. Painters, Writers, Political figures, and the people themselves were celebrating and rejoicing of their country. The War of 1812 had also spurred the creation of industries, and updated the manufacturing businesses. Countries around the world grew to respect the Americans, and their willpower and devotion to fight for their beliefs. These changes resulted in America becoming fewer dependants on Europe, and focused on expanding the United States. Looking back now, many could argue he was not a very good President. But considering all the events and situation he was involved in at his time, he did a wonderful job as President. The tension from Europe was at its final peak, and the war was inevitable to occur. It was just by chance it occurred during his terms. Even though President Madison had failed to prevent the war he had handled it gracefully, and in result increased his popularity and state of the nation, not to mention gaining America global respect. James Madison clearly deserves a B for his Presidency.

"American President: James Madison." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. Web. 22 Sept. 2009. [].
 * Bibliography:**

DeGregorio, William A. //The Complete Book of US Presidents//. XII ed. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, 2009. Print.

"James Madison -." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Web. 22 Sept. 2009. [].

"James Madison Biography - 4th President of the United States." //American History From About//. Web. 22 Sept. 2009. [].

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"USA: James Madison." Web. 22 Sept. 2009. .