James Madison was a politician from 1776-1817.
Sorry, I tried to define the term “career politician” - perhaps I failed...
Adams, Hamilton, Jefferson, and the rest of our representatives in that era did not work for the government as a career.
They may have held office for years and years, but they made their livings as farmers, lawyers, merchants, brewers, publishers, etc. etc.
Our diplomats had to live on their government salaries because they were abroad, but other than those few, our politicians did not live with the intention of making a career in government.
In fact, they often expressed the wish that they could escape the role, because government service cost so much, and you couldn’t give your full effort to your real business.
The modern concept of starting out working for the government as a young clerk or intern, then staying in government as bureaucrat or officeholder for life, without having a “real” career as a lawyer, shopkeeper, or farmer to pay the bills, really is a relatively recent change.
You could probably count the number of people who made government their sole career in those days on one or two hands, at most.
JFD
Much more experience with real life than our politicians today.
Madison is also noteworthy that he didn't marry a rich widow. Lots of founding fathers did.
/johnny