James Madison led an influential life in American history and helped shape the country as perhaps no other Founder. He collaborated on the Federalist Papers and the Bill of Rights, resisted government overreach by assembling one of the nation's first political parties, and led troops during the War of 1812 as president. This biography presents a vivid portrait of Madison, the 'Father of the Constitution,' who nourished Americans' liberty and defended the laws that have preserved it.