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Comparing The Contributions Of James Madison And Alexander Hamilton

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Many Americans do not realize the political uproar our country was in between the end of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Constitution. The Confederation was collapsing and plunging into debt, and had no real authority to do anything about it. Many political figures realized that in order for this country, and the revolution, to survive there needed to be a stronger central government. Among our country's founding fathers there was one man in particular that stood out from the rest, mostly attributed to his role leading up to and during the drafting of the constitution: James Madison. This is not to say that key players such as George Washington and Andrew Jackson didn’t contribute, but Madison seemed to rise above the crowd. James Madison played a huge role in uniting our country under a strong central government due to his forward political thinking and his meticulously planned arguments. …show more content…

George Washington did not attend college, but his knowledge of politics stemmed from his extensive military background. Due to his tendency to get sick and his inclination towards politics, Madison did not serve in the army. Hamilton served in the Continental Army as Washington's personal advisor where he realized the problems facing the continental congress. Joseph Ellis explains this realization in his book The Quartet by stating, “There is no way of knowing for sure, but the bulk of the evidence makes it probable that this was the time when Hamilton developed a pronounced sense of disdain for the competence of the Continental Congress, which was sustaining the Continental Army on life support” (Ellis 51). Washington and Hamilton realized from first hand experience that the country would not survive under the Articles of Confederation. The need for change was

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Overall considering all these facts, Madison believed that this would form our government and

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He believed the local state assemblies abused their powers, only spoke for their local interest, changed their membership constantly, and enacted unjust laws. He believed ratifying the Constitution to a strong central government was the only option for the young country to succeed. Madison adopted David Hume’s idea, a strong republican government might perform better in a large setting rather that a small one. He convinced the American public of this idea through a series called the Federalist Papers. Madison thought a citizen’s rights were more protected with a central government rather than a local state government.

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Washington said that we must avoid forming political parties because it would separate our country. We ignored him then, but look at where we are now, boy was he right. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were two people of separate political parties who disagreed on almost every matter. Hamilton used to be poor and grew up in St.Croix. When he was sent to the mainland he became the loud mouthed Secretary of Treasury under Washington’s leadership.

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Knowledge is undeniably important to everyone in the world, and especially to a political leader, like James Madison. Containing knowledge of failed governments or tyrannical dictators is useful in preventing future governments that are synonymic in comparison. Madison had the knowledge that a monarchy was not to majority of the colonists’ liking, which allowed for him to make the conscious choice, backed up by knowledge, to form a government that was revolutionary and beneficial. James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and the other composers of the Declaration of Independence acquired the knowledge, from personal experiences, that the United States should have different laws and civil liberties than what was given in England. James Madison, with

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James Madison once said, "[the Constitution was not] the offspring of a single brain." This is true, however, Madison, who is known as the Father of the Constitution, certainly played a huge role in its writing and ratification. In fact if he had not written the Federalist Papers the Constitution might not have been passed. Also, it was he who suggested the use of a three branch government.

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James Madison contributed greatly to shaping the ideas of the Constitution of the United States.   He developed reasonable comprehension about how to protect liberty. Using the pseudonym “Publius,” James Madison drafted his vision in a series of essays that were in support of the proposed Constitution. He wrote the essays in collaboration with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.

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James Madison was worried that the Constitution wouldn’t be strong enough to bring the states together. The revolutionary war that had ended a few years before, caused him to fear that the people would rebel. He didn't want people to rebel, but he also didn't want tyranny. A tyrant is “one supreme ruler who takes all the power for himself or herself.” He didn't want to have a tyrant

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James Madison eventually began writing amendments that still continued the centralized government view while simultaneously focusing on worries of the people. Some amendments focused on the multiple freedoms and others on protection, general rights, and assembly. Anti federalists still had doubts and fears regarding not enough change in other worry’s from the Constitution. Although this point for the Federalists, they have now shown that they listen to others worries and prioritize their rights and liberties. This builds a rapport and trust with the people, gaining even more support, furthering the Federalists goal of a centralized government.

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There was many differences between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson,they both had different ideas of how to run the country. Hamilton was a Federalist; he wanted the nation government to be strong , while Jefferson was a Democratic- Republic, he wanted the states to hold more power.(Competing Visions of Government: The Federalists vs. the Republicans) They both have different views in political issues and ideals for the country. Alexander Hamilton wanted a strong central government because he experienced the results of a weak central authority.(The Differences Between Hamilton & Jefferson's Views on Political Party Beliefs)On the other hand Thomas Jefferson wanted a weak central government because he thought that the threat of cruel

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United States Presidents play an integral role in the formation of government policies, both domestic and foreign. James Madison, born March 16, 1751, was a powerful figure in history as well as a pivotal character in many political areas that affect the world today. He was inaugurated as the United States’ fourth president in 1809, serving in office until 1817. Before he became president, he was one of the most influential Founding Fathers, so much so, that he is widely known as the “Father of the Constitution.” He contributed greatly to the establishment of our country’s Constitution, serving as a member of the Constitutional Convention.

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As “The Father of The Constitution”, James Madison was obviously one of the most important people in American history, though no one would have ever suspected it due to his sickly, “momma’s boy” demeanor (Stagg. LBP). Although Madison acted this way as a child, he grew to be one of the most influential people in the history of the United States. Madison is important to the study of American history because he drafted and sponsored some of the greatest documents that America still uses today, he, along with Thomas Jefferson, founded the Democratic- Republican party, and he was the fourth president of the United States. (James Madison Biography, totallyhistory.com, history.com, Frank Freidel)

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James Madison is known to many as the “Father of the Constitution” he was a firm believer in freedom and expressed it through the Articles of Confederation. Madison was in favor of more freedom when it came to religion and the governing of the people of the states. Another work of writing he is famously known for is the Federalist 10, in this writing he expresses thoughts on liberty, opinions, and democracy. Between the years of 1607 through 1789 many of his work and his thoughts created many changes to freedom and government. Throughout the years many of the proposals by Madison are very present and effective.

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James Madison was a very outstanding president and was the best president that the United States has ever seen. Prior to his presidency he co-wrote the Federalist Papers and got the nickname “Father of The Constitution”. (Gunderson, James Madison) Madison also supported the Louisiana purchase while he was in congress as the secretary of John Adams. (Miller Center, Life in Brief)

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James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia, on March 16, 1751, and is one of the founding fathers. One of James Madison’s accomplishments was helping to form a new constitution. Madison attended the Philadelphia Convention that was held in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation. Using his research on different types of government, he wrote the Virginia Plan which was his new outline for the Constitution and said instead of amending the Articles, he suggested created a new one. He spoke several times at the convention in order to convince the others that it was time for a new Constitution.

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Madison was also the 4th president of the united states, and ran from March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817; James served two terms as president. “In 1780, he became the youngest person elected to the Continental Congress”(ABC-Clio). During his four years as a member of the Second Continental Congress, he became a well known person as well as a “highly respected debater” (ABC-Clio). James Madison, also dedicated his life to public service’s. While serving in the Virginia Assembly from 1784 to 1786, Madison played a major role in bringing about the series of meetings that led to the “making” of the Constitution; “father of hr constitution”.

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