CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Bill of Rights" by James Madison
A learning module that begins with "The Bill of Rights" by James Madison, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free teacher...
Library of Congress
Loc: Ferrand's Records: Records of the Federal Convention
A large collection of chronological links to the text of the official records of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: Farwell Address
Although he surely could have remained in office longer, George Washington served only two terms in office. Read about his Farewell Address, one of the important speeches in American history. He gave advice concerning both national and...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1754 1800: The Federalist Papers
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay made the case for ratifying the new US Constitution.
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Madison, James, Jr. 1751 1836
Biographical information on the political career of James Madison, a Delegate and a Representative from Virginia and 4th President of the United States.
National First Ladies' Library
National First Ladies' Library: Dolley Madison
Biographical essay on Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison. Delves into her early years, her family and marriage, the White House years, and her later life.
Other
Potus: James Madison
Comprehensive facts about James Madison and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Election of 1808
Online resource that provides electoral data for the presidential election of 1808 won by James Madison.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Election of 1812
Online resource that provides detailed electoral data for the presidential election of 1812 won by James Madison.
Digital History
Digital History: Was the Constitutional Convention Legal?
A look at the convening of a Constitutional Convention to address the problems inherent in the Articles of Confederation. Read a quote from George Washington, who addressed the legality of such a convention.
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Score: Debate on Ratification
Students become one of the famous men who argued for or against ratification of the Constitution. They research and present their argumets to the class, who will then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
University of Florida
Freedom of Speech: The First Amendment and the u.s. Constitution
Interactive site outlines thoughts on the First Amendment from four founding fathers. Click on their faces to find an index reflecting their thoughts. From a student project at University of Florida.
Other
The Dolley Madison Page: The Burning of Washington
Some brief biographical information is given here plus an excerpt from a letter written by Dolley Madison to her sister.
Other
Galafilm: War of 1812: The Treaty of Ghent
This resource describes the Treaty of Ghent, and the perspectives of the British, the Americans and First Nations.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: bartleby.com: Presidential Inaugural Address: James Madison Second
Review a transcript of James Madison's second inaugural address given on March 4, 1813. Includes a short introduction that explains the state of affairs in the country at the time.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: bartleby.com: Presidential Inaugural Address: James Madison: First
Review the text of the speech given by James Madison on March 4, 1809, at his first inauguration.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Presidency: James Madison
Brief biographical sketch of America's fourth president includes background information on the era in which he served and linked-to objects from the Smithsonian's collections that help define the man and his presidency.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Diplomatic Challenges in an Age of European War
Both the British and French challenged American sovereignty and neutrality on the high seas. Read about the solution favored by Thomas Jefferson, but despised by the American shippers. See why this a cause of the War of 1812, along with...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: The War of 1812
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart describes the War of 1812 from the first battle of the U.S.S. Constitution to the Battle of New Orleans. It includes paintings of the major battles and important participants, as well as...
Patsy Stevens
Garden of Praise: Biographies for Kids: James Madison
A great early elementary-level site for biographical information on James Madison. Definitions and pronunciation guides are provided for words that may be unfamiliar to beginning readers. Includes links to biographies of other presidents.
Other
Women in History: Dolley Madison
Biographical sketch of Dolley Madison includes facts, accomplishments, and links to additional websites for exploring Dolley Madison's letters and her home at Montpelier.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: James Madison
This visual website from Google Cultural Institute shares background information and photos about James Madison.
Other
4 Law School: Marbury v. Madison
This article breaks down the facts of the Marbury v. Madison case, and briefly summarizes the Justices' opinions.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Federalist Papers
Full text of the Federalist Papers which express the general views of the individuals who formed the Federalist Party. Each paper is identified by date, subject, author and place of publication and is available for reading by clicking on...