Category: James Madison

James Madison Jr. (March 16 [O.S. March 5], 1751  June 28, 1836) was an American statesman and Founding Father who served as the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817. He is hailed as the Father of the Constitution for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution…

In his book, Inventing the People, Edmund Morgan answers a question posed by philosopher David Hume, who noted the easiness with which the many are governed by the few. Morgan agreed with Hume that governments operate under tacit consent, and adds that the consent implies acceptance of fictions meticulously cultivated by those who govern. One…

In the federalist papers, the main thesis that guides Madisons argument is How shall the separation of power be maintained in practice. In the federalist paper numbers 47 and 51, Madison discussed the institutional makeup that was included in the draft constitution that had been proposed then. In the federalist paper number 47, Madison discusses…