with Dr. Michael Libresco-D’innocenzo, Professor of History, Hofstra University
Date: Monday, November 30
Time: 2:00 P.M.
James Madison (1751-1836) was a small, frail man who played a major role in every aspect of the Revolutionary Era, from his college days at Princeton until his death at 85. Madison, our 4th President, well earned the title “Father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.” He helped design the checks and balances that so famously operate among the Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. He was also largely responsible for drafting the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. During his long and deep association with Jefferson, both struggled to ensure separation of church and state, and although he tried to keep the country out of war, he was forced into the War of 1812 (against the British), which General Andrew Jackson won in 1815. The program will examine Madison’s role as one of our most significant leaders and how his many achievements still affect our lives.