James Monroe was first and foremost an advocate for states' rights. In fact, he would not agree to the ratification of the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was officially added in 1791. He served in the Virginia Assembly and the Continental Congress before becoming a U.S. senator for Virginia (1790–1804).

Diplomat

In 1794, James Monroe was made the U.S. minister to France by President Washington. He was important in gaining Thomas Paine's release from prison. However, in 1796 he was recalled by Washington for failing to fully support Jay's Treaty with Great Britain. Like Thomas Jefferson, he felt that the United States should be more supportive of France and its bid for democracy.

Monroe served as the governor of Virginia from 1799 until 1802. When Jefferson became president, he made Monroe a special envoy to France to help negotiate the terms of the Louisiana Purchase. Monroe was then sent to Great Britain and served as U.S. minister there from 1803 to 1807. He was unable to make any progress with the British as conditions continued to deteriorate between the two countries.

Secretary of State and War

President James Madison appointed Monroe to be secretary of state in 1811. Monroe quickly realized that war was inevitable with Britain. The War of 1812 began in June 1812 when the United States declared war. After the British marched on Washington in 1814, Monroe was named secretary of war by Madison and was the only person ever to hold both posts concurrently. He earned great acclaim for his role in strengthening the military and for his service to his country.