James Madison (March 16, 1751-June 28, 1836) was American statesman and fourth President of the United States. He is known as "The Father of the Constitution" and was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was the author of "The Bill of Rights," the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Alongside John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, Madison was one of the authors of The Federalist Papers, which promoted and defended the proposed new Constitution of the United States. He served as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, during which time he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase. Madison became president in 1809 and led the U.S. to victory over Great Britain in the War of 1812. After retiring, he remained in Virginia and participated in the revision of that state’s constitution.