Madison and the Paradox of Slave Ownership

1. Fritz observes, "James Madison said that prolonging the slave trade was 'dishonorable to the American character,'" yet paradoxically, he himself was a slave owner. In Madison's era, a clear line was drawn between the "slave trade" and the practice of owning slaves. What constituted the "slave trade," and by what means was it eventually brought to an end?

The Enduring Legacy of The Federalist Papers

2. The Federalist Papers frequently find their place on school reading lists. Why do these documents hold such significance, and what insights are American students expected to glean from their study?

Madison's Vision for America

3. Which papers were penned by Madison himself? What model of governance did he advocate for the United States? Does the modern American government align with Madison's original vision?

Fritz's Depiction of Pennsylvania Quakers

4. How true to life is Fritz's representation of the Pennsylvania Quakers during the time of Dolley Madison?

The Election Mystery of 1808

5. If the populace cast their votes in November 1808, why did it take until January 1809 for the presidential election results to be declared?

The Clash of 1812

6. Dive into the chronicles of the War of 1812. What were the outcomes of this historic conflict?

The Burning of Washington

7. What allowed the British forces to advance on Washington and set the city ablaze?

Loyalty in Madison's America

8. In Madison's time, why might some individuals in the United States have backed England over France?

Madison and the Bill of Rights

9. What pivotal role did Madison play in the crafting and passage of the Bill of Rights? Fritz asserts that Madison's stance evolved from opposition to support. Is this true? If so, how and why did his perspective transform?

Madison: Champion of the Common Man

10. In his day, many Americans and subsequent historians have seen Madison as a defender of the common man. What evidence within this book substantiates this portrayal of Madison?

Madison's Societal Influence

11. How has Madison's influence permeated U.S. society throughout the years?

Dolley Madison's Perspective on Women's Roles

12. What were Dolley Madison's beliefs regarding the status of women in the United States?