Amanda+-+JMadison

__James Madison__ //1751 - 1836//
 * Federalist

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James Madison was a Virginia planter. He grew up with 12 brothers and sisters, and lived on a weathy tobacco plantation. He went to Princeton University and graduated with an english degree. His friend, Thomas Jefferson, lent him books about history, and even accompained him to Paris. Before the Continental Congress, James Madison wrote the Federalists Papers, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. At the convention, James Madison was the delegate for Virginia. He was the father of the Virginia Plan, which called for a strong central government and he came up with the three branch system. He felt that the power must be divided, to aviod the abuse of power. If they had a republic and the majority always wot, then the minority wouldn't suport the system, which would all lead to why they left england. Therefore; the three branch system would provide securties for them, and it wouldnt opress the weaker which would lead to anarchy. After the Continetal Congress Patrick Henry convinced Virginia not to elect James Madison to be their first senator. But he was elected directly into the US house of representitives. He went on to right the bill of rights, originally being 12 admendments, turning out to be 10. His ideas at the contiental congress did not go over well. The majority of the time people were voting against him, including "Brutus" and William Patterson (who wrote the new jersey plan).

James Madison, "Godfather of the Constitution". Kauffman, Bruce. Acheiving Early America. 1997. .
 * __Sources:__

__The American Pagent.__ Kenedy, David M. 12ed, Boston MA. Houghlin Mifflin College Division. 2001.**

Viewpoints. James Madison.**