Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: James Madison: From Father of the Constitution to President

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "James Madison: From Father of the Constitution to President" in 4 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: American Government James Madison

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage contains biographical information on "Father of the United States Constitution" and former United States President, James Madison. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece...
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: American Historama: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of James Madison and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Handout
Siteseen

Siteseen: Land of the Brave: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
Overview and biographical facts on the life of James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution".
Graphic
Library of Congress

Loc: Portraits of the Presidents & First Ladies

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection from the Library of Congress of formal and informal portraits of the US presidents and their first ladies.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Biography of President James Madison for Kids

For Students 1st - 9th
Explore more about the life story of James Madison who was the 4th president of the United States on this site.
Website
Patsy Stevens

Garden of Praise: Biographies for Kids: James Madison

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: Dolley Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
The life of Dolly Madison, First Lady, and wife of the fourth President of the United State, James Madison, is documented in the video described on this website.
Handout
White House Historical Association

The White House Historical Association: The Presidents

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete biographies and photos of all past presidents.
Primary
American Presidency Project

American Presidency Project: State of the Union Addresses and Messages

For Students 9th - 10th
This site compiles all of the State of the Union addresses and messages by all the presidents in U.S. history (except William Henry Harrison and James A. Garfield).
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Madison, James, Jr. 1751 1836

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical information on the political career of James Madison, a Delegate and a Representative from Virginia and 4th President of the United States.
Handout
National First Ladies' Library

National First Ladies' Library: Dolley Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Baertracks

Creative Quotations: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
Look here for 15 quotes written or spoken by James Madison. References are given for each quote at the bottom of the page.
Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Madison: Foreign Affairs

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief overview of the events leading up to the War of 1812, of select events from the course of the war, and of the war's aftermath.
Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe: Life Before the Presidency

For Students 9th - 10th
Scroll through this article on the events of James Monroe's life before he became President, to find information about his actions as Secretary of State and Secretary of War in James Madison's Cabinet.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: American Presidency: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: President Madison's 1812 War Message

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this Curriculum Unit, learners will consider "President Madison's 1812 War Message" in 3 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Graphic
Curated OER

James Madison

For Students 6th - 8th
FactMonster surveys the life and career of President James Madison.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

National Park Service: Cast Your Vote 1812

For Students 3rd - 9th
It is May 1812. America is on the brink of war and President James Madison is encouraging you to listen to different perspectives of possible outcomes. What do you think of the issues- and the decision to go to war? Listen and read about...
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Jeffersonians in Office [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a great overview of both the Jefferson Administration and the Madison administration. Read about the Louisiana Purchase, trade problems, the War of 1812, and the downfall of the Federalists. A great resource. [pdf]
Graphic
American Presidency Project

American Presidency Project: Election of 1808

For Students 9th - 10th
Online resource that provides electoral data for the presidential election of 1808 won by James Madison.
Graphic
American Presidency Project

American Presidency Project: Election of 1812

For Students 9th - 10th
Online resource that provides detailed electoral data for the presidential election of 1812 won by James Madison.
Handout
Other

Women in History: Dolley Madison

For Students 3rd - 8th
Biographical sketch of Dolley Madison includes facts, accomplishments, and links to additional websites for exploring Dolley Madison's letters and her home at Montpelier.
Activity
Other

4 Law School: Marbury v. Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
This article breaks down the facts of the Marbury v. Madison case, and briefly summarizes the Justices' opinions.