[24] Following the Revolutionary War, Madison spent time at Montpelier in Virginia studying ancient democracies of the world in preparation for the Constitutional Convention.[25] Upon reaching adulthood, Madison was diminutive in physical stature only weighing about 100 lb (45 kg) and 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) in height.[26] He had blue eyes and could be congenial in small gatherings. Madison suffered from episodes of mental exhaustion and illness with associated nervousness, which often caused temporary short-term incapacity after periods of stress. However, Madison enjoyed good physical health until his final years.[27]

American Revolution and Articles of Confederation
In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which caused strong opposition by the American colonists and began a conflict that would culminate in the American Revolution. The American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775 and would last till 1783. The colonists formed three prominent factions: Loyalists, who continued to back King George III of the United Kingdom; a significant neutral faction without firm commitments to either Loyalists or Patriots; and the Patriots, whom Madison joined, under the leadership of the Continental Congress. 