The Life of James Madison Trivia Quiz

Answer: Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.

"Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance." was said by Samuel Johnson an English poet, critic and writer. He lived from 1709 to 1784.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" was said by John F. Kennedy. He lived from 1917 to 1963.

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have." was said by Barry Goldwater. He lived from 1909 to 1998.

"Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power." was the correct answer and was said by James Madison.

Answer: Dolley Payne Todd

James Madison married Dolley Payne Todd on September 14, 1794, and had no children the rest of their lives. (With the exception of an adopted son.) Betsy Ross obviously did not marry James Madison, and Elizabeth Kortright married James Monroe, not James Madison.

Answer: Democratic - Republican

James Madison helped found the Democratic-Republican party along with Thomas Jefferson, around 1792. The party opposed most of the Federalist ideas, and supported strict interpretation of the constitution. So, they opposed the idea of a national bank, proposed by Alexander Hamilton (a federalist).

The Whig party was not created until about 1833, making it impossible for James Madison to be apart of it.

Answer: Father of the Constitution

James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution, because he was the principle author of the document. (He also hated the nickname.) He is also known as the Father of the Bill of Rights. John Adams is known as the Father of the Declaration of Independence. (Even though Thomas Jefferson wrote it, John Adams was the driving force behind it.)

Answer: Secretary of State

James Madison was the secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) and supervised the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.

Answer: War of 1812

James Madison was president during the War of 1812. His wife is most famous for staying in the White House until the last possible moment, and saved the famous portrait of George Washington. The American Revolution took part before any president was established, the civil war was fought under president Lincoln, and the Mexican American war was fought under president James K. Polk.

Answer: Indiana

Indiana entered the union on Dec. 11, 1816, during James Madison's presidency. Illinois entered on Dec. 3, 1818, a year after his presidency. Virginia entered on June 25, 1788, before his presidency. Tennessee joined June 1, 1796, years before his presidency.

Answer: two

He served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809-1817.

Answer: He didn't die on July 4

James Madison died of natural causes on June 28, 1836. It is said that some townspeople encouraged James Madison to try to survive until July 4 (by use of special drugs), when former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. But, James Madison payed no attention to them and died peacefully on June 28, 1836.

Answer: He was our shortest Founding Father

He was the shortest and skinniest Founding Father, at 5ft. 4in and a mere 100 pounds. He was also a distant relative of George Washington (1st cousin twice removed). Hope you liked my quiz!