As a young man, James Madison started a literary and debate club before the Revolutionary War, researching and discussing political systems and current events. After serving in the Continental Congress, he wrote our nation’s Constitution, committing his life to a country built on the strong foundation of liberty.
James Madison was a Patriot.
Why would anyone want to be a Patriot? Patriot: a person who vigorously supports his or her country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
Why would we want to defend our country? Because it’s the only country specifically designed to defend our natural rights. Our founders established a form of government whose purpose is to protect our liberty.
What’s so great about Liberty? Liberty is the idea that you get to control your own life, as long as you’re not harming others. Most other nations throughout history have been designed to control their citizens, not the other way around.
The U.S.A. was founded to be ruled by We the People. It’s our job to make sure the government protects the Constitution that protects our liberty.
We the People need to know enough about the Constitution to make sure our elected representatives are doing their jobs properly.
So, if We the People don’t do our job, then those we elect forget that their job is to protect our rights, and they may start thinking of themselves as our rulers instead of our public servants.
Citizens who are committed to protecting our nation and Constitution are Patriots.
Are you a Patriot? Do you love Liberty? Do you want to protect it for future generations?
If so, memorize this oath and think about what that looks like in your own life.
“I hereby declare that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.”
Congratulations! You’re on the way to becoming a Young Madison!
James Madison - Believer
James Madison studied theology under Princeton University President John Witherspoon, whose teaching combined religious doctrine and the power of human reason.
Young Madison committed himself to religious liberty and was skilled at working with others of differing points of view.
His faith helped define his patriotism. Freedom to express one’s conscience, under the sovereign hand of God, was paramount to him.
Our Constitutional Republic was founded on “Natural Law”, defined as “laws of the Creator.” This, primarily, prevents our representatives from limiting our unalienable rights, because they must answer to a Higher Power who bestows the true scope of our liberties.
Without an acknowledgment of and subordination to a Creator, these protections are dependent upon the benevolence of our would-be rulers. This was considered too risky for James Madison- architect of our Constitution.
Does this mean that atheists and agnostics can’t be true Patriots? No! But they must acknowledge that our system of government is founded on the existence and authority of a Creator, because this is the concept that limits the otherwise unbridled rule by our elected officials.
Our founders determined that our system of government would be best administered by those who had a commitment to Judeo-Christian principles. They realized that a Biblical morality provided the best rule for individuals who would be participating in our new Republic.
The American justice system is based on Mosaic Law and the organization of its administration.
The vast majority of colonists were Christians or deists, very familiar with Biblical teaching, helping the new citizens understand and approve our Constitution.
Imagine if our founders lived in an age of memes, logos and graphics, like we do today. What pictures would they create to demonstrate to citizens and elected representatives how the “laws of the Creator” are the foundation for our nation?
Patriot Challenge: Talk about this with your family and friends, and create appropriate graphics to convey this information.
James Madison - Scholar
Young James Madison suffered many challenges to his health, but this did not prevent him from applying himself to vigorous academics.
He was well-aware that “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
You don’t know how the things you learn today will enable you to be a leader in the future. Every bit of knowledge you obtain will help you in some way.
Besides making academic goals and pursuing them with all diligence, I recommend that you follow young Madison’s example by reading as many books as you can. After devouring his father’s private library by the time he was a teenager, his father sent him off to Princeton to expand his knowledge.
Here’s your next Patriot Challenge:
Make it a habit to read one novel or biography and one non-fiction book at the same time, at all times. Why a biography? Because the lives of real people are even more fascinating that characters from a novel! Section 921 in any Library are my favorite bookshelves! Not even the best authors can make that stuff up!
Patriot Challenge: Keep a reading journal and take notes on passages that are interesting to you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and fascinated by the many unexpected connections you’ll find! Discuss those interesting ideas with a friend or family member to help clarify your own opinions.
You too will discover, like young Madison, that knowledge gives you power. The more knowledge you gain, the power you will have to govern yourself. Self-governance is the key to Liberty! It also gives you the power to help control situations and lead others.
James Madison - Protector
As a young man, James Madison was named Commander in the Orange County militia and elected to the Orange County, Virginia Committee of Safety. These groups were in charge of preparing the residents for defense and imminent offense against the British as talk of colonial independence grew louder.
Madison’s own fragile health prevented him from fully participating in militia exercises, but his astute and thoughtful planning was a welcome contribution, proving that no matter what limitations may plague us, there are always opportunities to use our talents and skills.
Patriot Challenge: make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Jot down present and future ways you could be using your gifts and talents in spite of your limitations. Remember- humility is a strength! James Madison was always humble, allowing others to elevate him to positions of authority as they recognized his skills. Are there ways you can work to overcome your physical, mental or emotional weaknesses? Make a personal improvement plan.
Protecting our nation was a priority throughout Madison’s life. He was instrumental in writing the Bill of Rights, as well as the rest of our Constitution, protecting the liberties of United States’ citizens.
During his term as President, Madison waged the War of 1812, protecting our nation from British efforts to stifle our trade overseas and kidnap our American sailors.
A Patriot is a Protector. How do you contribute to the safety and liberty of your family and community?
James Madison - Writer
James Madison knew how to take up arms to fight any enemy of his family, community, and country.
But, more often, he used the power of the pen to persuade others of the duties and privileges of citizenship.
Effectively communicating valuable principles and policies can prevent many battles!
Patriot Challenge: Identify your core principles and those of your family. What is worth protecting and promoting? Are there principles that should be shared by all citizens to help make our country strong? Make a list.
With whom can you communicate these ideas and commitments? How would you share them with your peers?
Do your social media interactions clearly reflect your principles?
Are you communicating your principles to family members and other adults in your life in a respectful way?
Do you know that, as a citizen, your opinions and concerns matter to your local, state and national representatives?
Are they representing your principles? That’s their job! How will they know, if you don’t tell them?
Communicate your opinions respectfully and regularly to those who have the job of representing you as they fulfill their oath to protect the Constitution.
After clarifying your principles regarding government, write a letter or email to your local, state and national representatives.
If you don’t already know who your representatives are, find them here: Find Your Elected Officials
