Named source · 1809

First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1809 Quotes by James Madison: Context & Meanings

1 quotation linked to First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1809 by or associated with James Madison, with source notes, explanations and related topics.

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James Madison’s First Inaugural Address delivered March 4, 1809

Topics and ideas

Union, peace, neutrality, constitutional government, rights, religion, public finance and presidential responsibility.

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to hold the Union of the States as the basis of their peace and happiness;

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“to hold the Union of the States as the basis of their peace and happiness;”

James Madison

Meaning & context

Madison presents preservation of the federal union as one of the governing principles he intends to follow in office.

Source details

First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1809, represented by Founders Online / National Archives. This clause occurs in Madison’s long statement of presidential principles and remains historical political rhetoric rather than a prediction or current constitutional instruction.

James Madison’s First Inaugural Address delivered March 4, 1809

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