The well-known historian and author Richard Brookhiser shared some key points from his brilliant biography on one of the most influential and humble statesmen in US history: James Madison. Madison’s two children, the Constitution and US politics, greatly impacted American government to this day.
He was part of every phase of the Constitution’s development from the first 1787 Constitutional convention to its complete ratification. He battled against Patrick Henry, the greatest orator of the time, for Virginia’s ratification and won. In New York, one of the key states, he and his allies John Jay and Alexander Hamilton penned the now famous Federalist Papers, making stunning arguments for ratification. The Bill of Rights, though not seriously considered important at first, was credited to the collaborative efforts of Madison.
Madison postulated three unique aspects regarding the Republican system. First, big countries were a better atmosphere for republicanism than smaller ones. Madison used historical comparisons to smaller republics failing to uphold their systems, discrediting past claims that republics would only work in small, city-state sized societies. Second, hostile factions would have great difficulty toppling big countries with a republican system. The mere size and diverse culture of the United States would act as a protective barrier from hostile takeover. Third, complex systems were better than simple ones. The best example can be found in the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has its own powers, reflecting human nature as the ambition of one branch curbs the ambition of the others.
The nature of politics still in use today began with Madison’s formation of the Republican Party (now the Democratic Party). In 1791, Madison and Jefferson gathered allies which would compete against the ruling Federalist party. He developed the National Gazette which was the first biased newspaper. Madison was the first to consider public opinion as a force of change throughout a politician’s term.
Madison had his downsides as well. Critics would consider him too political, sometimes filling his staff with party favors rather than men with skill. This led to losses during the War of 1812. Even in the face of defeat, Madison stayed calm, stood with his troops in battle, cleared his staff of imbeciles, and stayed the course to attain American victory.
As Richard Brookhiser stated, we are all lucky to have Madison and his lasting contributions to the United States. He was an able politician, a skillful writer, and an intelligent philosopher. History looks at him favorable as one of the most famous and influential founder fathers.
