Pres $1 Uncir SMS - 79086
2007 P JAMES MADISON, SMS

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James Madison Presidential $1 Coin — Fourth President, 1809-1817 • Born: 16 March 1751 • Birthplace: Port Conway, Virginia • Died: 28 June 1836 • Best Known As: "The Father of the Constitution" James Madison is considered the most influential contributor to the United States Constitution, and he worked vigorously to see it ratified. He also contributed to The Federalist Papers to explain his advocacy for a strong federal government. He served as a member of Congress and as Jefferson's Secretary of State before winning the presidential election of 1808. Madison served two terms in office, losing much of his prestige over his leadership during the War of 1812. During the war, Madison was forced to flee Washington when the British army invaded. His wife, Dolley stayed behind and salvaged national treasures. Madison was the smallest U.S. president, standing 5" 4" and weighing about 100 pounds and he was the last surviving signer of the Constitution. A student of both history and law, James Madison attended the College of New Jersey (later known as Princeton University), returning to his native Virginia to help craft that state’s Constitution, as well as serving as a leader in the Virginia Assembly. Following the American Revolution, Madison was instrumental in determining the course of the new Republic and in framing the government of the new Nation. With Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Madison wrote The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays that advocated the adoption of the United States Constitution. In Congress, James Madison helped secure passage for the Bill of Rights. France and Great Britain were at war when James Madison was elected to the presidency. Though he favored a more neutral position, the continued harassment of American sailors, combined with the seizure of American cargo, forced President Madison to ask Congress for a declaration of war with Great Britain on June 1, 1812.