In this insightful discussion, host Matt Blumberg interviews Noah Feldman, a Harvard Law professor and author of *The Three Lives of James Madison*. They delve into the legacy of America's fourth president, examining how Madison prioritized national interests over personal ambition. Key topics include his pivotal role in the formation of the Constitution, his evolving views on the national bank, and the crucial influence of his wife, Dolly Madison, during the War of 1812. The conversation highlights themes of political virtue and democratic accountability.