Happy Birthday James Madison!
James Madison is credited with being the key figure in the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Earlier, Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay co-authored The Federalist Papers (1788), which played a major role in the adoption of the Constitution. Madison also served as the fourth President of the United States, from 1809 to 1817.
Madison’s birthday is now celebrated as Freedom of Information Day. Since March 16, 2005, it has also been celebrated as Sunshine Week in support of state open records laws. Check your local area for any events.
Read: Akhil Reed Amar, The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction (2000)
Read the great new biography of Madison: Noah Feldman, The Three Lives of James Madison (2017)
Learn more: Richard Lubansky, James Madison and the Struggle for the Bill of Rights (2006)
Read the best book on the history of the Constitution: Akhil Reed Amar, America’s Constitution: A Biography (2006)
Search the web for local celebrations of Freedom of Information Day.
Read: Kevin R. C. Gutzman, James Madison and the Making of America (2012)
Read: The Federalist Papers (1788) (many editions available)