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The most important political thinker in American history, James Madison was an eloquent and insightful writer whose lucid expositions of the principles of republican government, freedom of religion, speech, and the press, the rights of minorities, and the separation of powers continue to speak to the controversies of the day. This volume contains 197 documents written between 1772 and 1836, including all 29 of Madison's contributions to The Federalist; speeches and letters illuminating his key role in framing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; revealing correspondence with Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton. and Monroe; eloquent denunciations of the Alien and Sedition Acts; and candid appraisals of the personalities and events he witnessed over four decades in public life. Writings from Madison's later life show his determination to uphold American independence during the Napoleonic wars and his growing concern over the sectional threat to the federal union he helped create.
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