James Madison's Career

  In 1774, Madison began his political career by participating in opportunities of evolving government.  He first began his career as an elected official for the Committee of Safety in Orange County, Virginia.  In 1776, he served in Virginia's revolutionary assembly (The World Book Encyclopedia 13 1995 Edition, 33).  Madison, along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, played the key roles in the Federalist Papers which defended the new Constitution.  He also played a key role in the addition of the Bill of Rights, making him known as the "Father of the Constitution".  Defeating James Monroe in 1789,  James Madison took his seat in the House of Representatives.  Rising up in the career ladder, Madison was appointed to Vice President and then eventually President.  Madison was in the White House during the War of 1812 and for two terms (The World Book Encyclopedia 13 1995 Edition, 34).