Presidency of James Madison
The presidency of James Madison was one which many people have disagreeing points of view on. Some think he was not one of our greater presidents because he let the United States fall into the conflict known as the war of 1812. Others think that Madison’s presidency was a good one because he led America out of the war of 1812 and united the country. The presidency of James Madison while not being one of the greatest of all the presidents was still above average as a president because of Madison’s involvement as the Father of the Constitution, Federalist Papers and presidency overall.
Born in 1751, Madison grew up in Orange County, Virginia. He was the oldest of 12 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood. In 1769, he attended the College of New Jersey. In 1776, he is a member and attend the Virginia Convention. From 1780-1783 he is a member of Continental Congress. Then from 1884-1886, he becomes a member of the Virginia Legislature. In 1787, he is a member of the Constitutional Convention. Then from 1789-1797 he is a member of the House of Representatives. Later in1801-1809, he is Secretary of State under Jefferson.
His first term of office was in 1809. The War of 1812 was the second war for independence, the U.S vs. o Great Britain. There was later the Embargo Act of 1807, and the Bank of the United States in 1816. He became known as the “Father” of the Bill of Rights and he also published the Federalist Papers. He was a big help in writing the constitution, he made big contributions to help create and shape America. When the U.s faced the war of 18182, he secured U.S sovereignty for generations to come. He also became. co-Founder of the Democratic-Republican party. And in spite of obstacles, however, America had an impressive strength, particularly in its naval fleets. Little by little, they claimed victories over their opponents. Finally, in 1815, the war ended with the Treaty of Ghent. Neither parties of the war gained new territories, but many historians agree that Americans view the War of 1812 to be the second greatest war that ensured their independence.
 Madison’s presidency ended with his retirement in 1817, when he was 65 years old. Having been such a significant persona in America, James Madison left a legacy that the country will not forget. Dozens of landmarks, towns, cities, institutions, and natural resources have been named after him. His portrait was also featured in the US $5,000 bill. But the true legacy of James Madison was the change of the course of history that millions are now benefiting from. As one of the Founding Fathers, he was part of the birth of America as a nation. As the Father of Constitution, he ensured that this nation would become whole, united, and most of all, in the hands of the people. And as a huge force behind the Bill of Rights, he empowered and inspired the people. James Madison’s legacy isn’t contained in the United States , they rippled throughout the world. With that, he was indeed a great President.
           Yes, he had both domestic and foreign policy accomplishments. His domestic accomplishments were he Co-authored the Federalist Papers and was instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, he helped establish the Democratic-Republican Party with Jefferson, and renewed the charter for the Bank of the United States to raise funds for the War of 1812. He then had his foreign policy which was signed Macon’s Bill No.2, which repealed the Non-Intercourse Act and allowed French and English goods on American ships as long as trade rights were respected, led the nation into the War of 1812 after the failure of diplomatic protests and a trade embargo against Britain. Overall, the policies helped America succeed sand improve its conditions for a stronger and more reliable nation.
Sources
http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/james-madison
https://millercenter.org/president/madison/life-before-the-presidency
http://www.american-presidents-history.com/james-madison-timeline.html
http://www.presidential-power.org/presidencies-timelines/james-madison-presidency-timeline.htm
https://millercenter.org/president/madison/impact-and-legacy