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The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to improve teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Funding for the Foundation's programs comes from Congress and generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Foundation has a Board of Trustees, and its daily operations are directed by a president and a small staff. The Foundation's office is located in Alexandria, Virginia.
I really appreciate the fact that the Madison Foundation allows for an open discussion of the Constitution without any kind of “spin” or “agenda.”
Thom Parker, Michigan Fellow
Each time an assembly of citizens gathers to deliberate and make decisions concerning the good of the community, the thinking and dedication of James Madison—"Father of the Constitution," Secretary of State, and President of the United States—live again. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the nation that limits government and guarantees the rights and liberties of every American.
The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy.
It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part…
James Madison, Jr.
James Madison Fellowships were created to honor Madison's legacy and Madisonian principles by providing support for graduate study that focuses on the Constitution—its history and contemporary relevance to the practices and policies of democratic government. The benefits of the fellowship program are manifold and lasting. Fellowship recipients have a unique opportunity to strengthen their research, writing, and analytical skills. In the process, they form professional ties that can significantly influence their career aspirations. Fellows gain a deeper understanding of the principles of constitutional government, which they in turn transmit to their students. In this way, the James Madison Fellowships ensure that the spirit and practical wisdom of the Constitution will guide the actions of future generations of American citizens.
The James Madison Fellowship Program does not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or individuals with disabilities.
A Board of Trustees, appointed by the President of the United States, oversees the activities of the Foundation. The following individuals are currently serving as trustees:
Miguel Cardona
Secretary of Education, ex-officio
Judge Terrence Berg
United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Circuit Judge Diane S. Sykes
United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Terrence K. Wright
See complete list of current and emeritus trustees.
