4th President of the United States

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution”

In office

March 4, 1809 – March 4, 1817

Party

Democratic-Republican

Home state

Virginia

Lived

1751–1836

Days in office

2,922

In order

No. 4: after Thomas Jefferson, before James Monroe

Vice presidents

George Clinton, Elbridge Gerry

Key achievements & events

• Principal drafter of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
• Co-wrote The Federalist Papers with Hamilton and Jay
• Led the country through the War of 1812 against Britain
• Chartered the Second Bank of the United States (1816)

Remember: At about 5 feet 4 inches and 100 pounds, he was the smallest president. British troops burned the White House during his term (1814).