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Is James Madison's Vision of Democracy Outdated?
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"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."
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James Madison was born on March 16, 1751 in Port Conway, King George County, Virginia. Commonly known as the "Father of the Constitution," Madison had a resounding impact on the United States' structure of government.
An intellectual giant in American political thought, he served as the youngest member of the 1780 Continental Congress, wrote the Virginia Plan (a precursor to the Constitution), authored some of the most powerful Federalist Papers, compiled the Bill of Rights, and served as our fourth president.
But why would one need to return to Madison's 280 year-old views? What do we say to those who think Madison and our Constitution are simply outdated? JMC faculty partner George Thomas has an answer:
"Revisiting a Madisonian view of democracy is not an act of nostalgia, but an effort to recapture the spirit and mindset needed to maintain democratic machinery set in motion two centuries ago. This spirit was on display in Federalist No. 14, when Madison called on his fellow citizens to recognize the failure of the Articles of Confederation and to not fear the need for profound reform: 'Is it not the glory of the people of America, that, whilst they have paid a decent regard to the opinions of former times and other nations, they have not suffered a blind veneration for antiquity, for custom, or for names, to overrule the suggestions of their own good sense, the knowledge of their own situation, and the lessons of their own experience? To this manly spirit, posterity will be indebted for the possession, and the world for the example, of the numerous innovations displayed on the American theatre, in favor of private rights and public happiness.'"
On the occasion of James Madison’s birthday, we’ve gathered together a collection of resources recognizing his immense impact on American political thought and the structure of our constitutional government. Take some time to remember Madison’s legacy by exploring our fellows’ articles and other resources. |
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Will you join us in the effort?
Our impact is expanding. As of this fall, one million students have been taught by a JMC fellow. We need your help to ensure many more young citizens learn about America's history and its founding principles.
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James Madison Collection Highlights
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Madison as the Founder of American Founding
In 2019, renowned scholar and JMC board member James Ceaser sat down with fellow board member Bill Kristol to discuss how James Madison deliberately encouraged the drafters of the Constitution in Philadelphia, and all Americans, to conceive of their project as a “founding.”
Watch the video on YouTube >>
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About the Jack Miller Center
The Jack Miller Center is a 501(c)(3) public charity with the mission to reinvigorate education in America's founding principles and history. We work to advance the teaching and study of America's history, its political and economic institutions, and the central principles, ideas and issues arising from the American and Western traditions—all of which continue to animate our national life.
We support professors and educators through programs, resources, fellowships and more to help them teach our nation's students.
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