James Madison is known for being our nation’s shortest president, measuring in at 5’4", but despite his shortness in stature, he towered above many in his love of country and liberty. His wife, Dolly, matched his commitment to our newly founded nation.
James Madison, an aristocratic Virginia planter, forged a reputation as a man who preferred solitude and contemplation. Alexander Hamilton said his friend was “uncorrupted and incorruptible”. Those traits led Madison to become the Father of our Constitution and our 4th President.
It was James Madison who conceived the idea of a federal convention in 1787. He mapped out our fledgling nation’s form of governance, calling for the “supremacy of national authority” while allowing the States to maintain their integrity. He was the primary documentarian during the Convention which resulted in our Constitution.
Madison believed the Constitution gave the federal government no power to violate citizens’ liberties.
“The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted."
- James Madison
Madison collaborated with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in the Federalist essays and championed the creation of a Bill of Rights, meant to protect our liberties.
His wife Dolly Madison remains a role model for First Lady’s today. Having hosted the first Presidential Inaugural Ball, she was a staunch supporter and ally of her husband in social and political circles.
She was born to native Virginians and raised in Philadelphia after her father emancipated his slaves. James Madison was introduced to Dolly Payne Todd by Aaron Burr, James’ friend and Princeton classmate.
Montpelier, VA
The Madison’s were the first First Family to reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Dolly Madison played a role in the design and furnishing of the residence. She was the only First Lady given an honorary seat on the floor of Congress and the first American to respond to a telegraph message.
Mrs. Madison is most famous for her defense of the White House during the War of 1812. The British army was set to invade Washington, DC, in 1814. Dolly led the White House evacuation efforts and refused to leave the White House until she had the portrait of George Washington safely in her possession.
James Madison authored Article V. He would have absolutely supported a 21st century Convention of States, and his wife Dolly would proudly stand by his side (yes, she was taller than him at 5’7”!). As Madison said in the Federalist Papers:
"You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.” ― James Madison
Citizens concerned for the future of their country under a federal government that's increasingly bloated, corrupt, reckless, and invasive have a constitutional option. We can call a Convention of States to "oblige (the government) to control itself," bringing power back to the people (where it belongs). As Madison also said:
“There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”
― James Madison
Be a 21st Century patriot and 1 of 50,000 Marylanders to Race to Liberty. Join us and sign the petition at Convention of States Action today.
