James Madison: Political Philosopher, Practical Politician
Overview
History of James Madison
James Madisonโs years in the White House actually diminished his political reputation. Madison was one of the architects of the United States Constitution, creating its structure out of his study of political philosophy from the ancient Greeks and Romans through the Enlightenment, but more importantly through the understanding of politics earned in the brawls of the Virginia legislature. He understood ambition and corruption, and so rather than design a system for high-minded statesmen, he shaped one for people as they are.
The History James Madison’s Political Life
A shy and timid speaker, Madison lived his political life in the shadow of others: Thomas Jefferson, whom Madison served as a faithful lieutenant (though John Adams thought Madisonโs ideas were sounder than his mentors); Alexander Hamilton, his Federalist co-author and later chief political opponent (a French observer said that Madison was โless brilliantโ than Hamilton, but โmore profoundโ); Patrick Henry, whom Madison challenged both in the Virginia ratifying convention and the state legislature (where Madison succeeded in getting the Statute for Religious Freedom passed over Henryโs opposition); and even his vivacious and charismatic wife, Dolley Payne Todd Madison, known during his term in the White House as โThe Presidentess.โ (In fact, during the War of 1812 the British boasted of capturing Dolleyโnot her husbandโand parading her through the streets of London.)
A History of James Madison’s Political Writingsย
In this lecture, Professor Allison will explore some of Madisonโs most important political writingsโon religious freedom, the structure of the union, freedom of the press, and the nature of powerโand ponder this unlikely politician who understood politicsโthen and nowโbetter than we do.
Learn More About the History of James Madisonย
For more online lectures about James Madison’s history check out fascinating lectures such as 6000 Years of Religion,ย Ethical Dilemmas, and Modern Medicine: Questions Nobody Wants to Ask, and much more! ย Access to allย online video lecturesย comes standard with OneDayU membership,ย click here to learn more.