Founding Father.

James Madison's achievements as secretary of state and president have never compared favorably with his role as "Father of the Constitution." He has also been overshadowed by his close friend and political associate, Thomas Jefferson. Madison's shyness and unimpressive oratory creeffective leadership. But he excelled as a political thinker, essayist, and organizer who could persuade and conciliate in legislative committees and political meetings. Madison used those considerable talents to become a Founding Father of both the U.S. government and the Republican Party.

Early Life.

James Madison, the oldest of twelve children of James Madison Sr. and Nellie Conway Madison, was born on 16 March 1751 at the home of his maternal grandparents in Port Conway, Virginia, and grew up at his family's plantation, Montpelier, in Orange County. His membership in a large extended family descended from several generations of Virginia planters gave Madison a...