About 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.
- 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, Fellow from Michigan
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
John Cornyn
Chairman
U.S. Senator
Texas
Benjamin L. Cardin
U.S. Senator
Maryland
Steven M. Colloton
U.S. Circuit Judge
U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
Des Moines, Iowa
Arne Duncan
Secretary of Education
ex officio
John J. Faso
Attorney
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Albany, New York
William Terrell Hodges
Senior U.S. District Judge
Florida Middle District
Drew R. McCoy
Professor of History
Clark University
Worcester, Massachusetts
J.C.A. Stagg
Editor, The Papers of James Madison
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Harvey M. Tettlebaum
Partner
Husch Blackwell
Jefferson City, Missouri
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
Lewis F. Larsen, President
Herman Belz, Director of Academics
Claire McCaffery Griffin, Director of Special Projects
Anne Marie Kanakkanatt, Special Assistant/Office Manager
Sheila Osbourne, Academic Assistant
Elizabeth G. Ray, Program Analyst
Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr., President Emeritus
Foundation staff address:
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
2000 K Street, NW, Suite 303
Washington, DC 20006
For general information:
Call 800-525-6928 or Contact Us online.
© 2012 by James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. All rights reserved.