Founded in the summer of 2000, the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions in the Department of Politics at Princeton University is dedicated to exploring enduring questions of American constitutional law and Western political thought. The Program is also devoted to examining the application of basic legal and ethical principles to contemporary problems. To carry out its mission, the James Madison Program implements a number of initiatives. The Program awards visiting fellowships and postdoctoral appointments each year to support scholars conducting research in constitutional law, political philosophy, and related fields. The Program supports the James Madison Society, an international community of scholars, and promotes civic education by its sponsorship of conferences, lectures, seminars, and colloquia. The Program's Undergraduate Fellows Forum provides opportunities for Princeton undergraduates to interact with Madison Program Visiting Fellows and with other distinguished scholars, jurists, and civic leaders. The Madison Program also awards a Senior Thesis Prize for Excellence in Constitutional Law and Political Thought and manages a “track” of courses pertaining to the American civic order for students majoring in Politics. The success of the James Madison Program depends on the support of foundations and private individuals who share its commitment to advancing the understanding and appreciation of American ideals and institutions. We are deeply grateful to all who stand with us.

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Robert P. George
McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence 
Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions