The Foundation           Board of Trustees           Foundation Staff ABOUT THE FOUNDATION THE FOUNDATION      The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving 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 Washington, D.C. The Constitution 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. IT 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. The 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 on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or individuals with disabilities.

Board of Trustees Meeting

The public law creating the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation established a Board of Trustees to govern the Foundation, consisting of thirteen members. Twelve members are appointed for six-year terms by the President of the United States. The law specifies that two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, two members of the federal judiciary, one governor, two members of the general public, and three members from the academic community serve on the board. The Secretary of Education serves as an ex-officio member. With the exception of the federal judges and the Secretary of Education, the board is evenly divided between political parties.

Foundation staff address: James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation 2000 K Street, NW, Suite 303 Washington, DC 20006 For general information: Call 1-800-525-6928 or click Contact Us to send an email.

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