The James Madison Fellowship is designed to improve instruction of the U.S. Constitution in the nation’s secondary schools (grades 7-12). Awards are made to support graduate studies emphasizing the history of Colonial America leading to the framing of the Constitution; the Constitution itself, including the principles upon which it is based; the evolution of the American constitutional system throughout history; and interpretations of the Constitution by the courts and other branches of government. 

The program offers Junior Fellowships to college seniors and college graduates without teaching experience who plan to become secondary school teachers of American history, and Senior Fellowships to former or current teachers seeking further education. Junior Fellows are required to complete their graduate degree within two academic years of full-time study, while Senior Fellows are required to complete their graduate degree within five academic years of part-time study.