On March 16, 2001, the Library of Congress, in cooperation with the James Madison Commemoration Commission, hosted a symposium in celebraton of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison, the nation's fourth president. It was cosponsored by the Henry Salvatori Center at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California and was be chaired by Charles Kesler of Claremont McKenna College.

The symposium, James Madison: Philosopher and Practitioner of Liberal Democracy, explored the thought and character of James Madison as well as his many significant contributions to the nation's history, such as his defense of religious liberty; his role as architect and principal defender of the Constitution of the United States; his introduction of the legislation that produced the Bill of Rights; and his service as secretary of state in 1801-1809, and as president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. The all-day symposium, was held in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building and was open to the public without charge or advance reservation.

Introductory Remarks, by Charles Kesler, Claremont McKenna College

James Madison, Federalist, by Lance Banning, University of Kentucky

James Madison's Sagacious, Powerful, Combining Mind, Robert Goldwin, American Enterprise Institute

James Madison and the Social Utility of Religion: Risks vs. Rewards, James Hutson, Library of Congress

Defenders of the Constitution: Madison vs. Calhoun, Harry V. Jaffa, Claremont McKenna College

Remembering James Madison: Character, Vision and Experience, Drew McCoy, Clark University

Was Madison an Original Thinker?, by Gary Rosen, Commentary Magazine