John Randolph (June 2, 1773 – May 24, 1833), known as John Randolph of Roanoke, is a planter, and a Congressman from Virginia, serving in the House of Representatives at various times between 1799 and 1833, the Senate (1825–1827), and also as Minister to Russia (1830).

After serving as President Thomas Jefferson's spokesman in the House, he breaks with Jefferson in 1803 and becomes the leader of the "Old Republican" or "Quids", an extreme states' rights vanguard of the Democratic-Republican Party who want to restrict the role of the federal government.

Specifically, Randolph promotes the Principles of '98, which say that individual states can judge the constitutionality of central government laws and decrees, and can refuse to enforce laws deemed unconstitutional.

A quick thinking orator with a wicked wit, he is committed to republicanism and advocates a commercial agrarian society throughout his three decades in Congress.

Randolph vehemently opposes the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise of 1820; he is active in debates about tariffs, manufacturing, and currency.

With mixed feelings about slavery, he is one of the founders of the American Colonization Society in 1816, to send free blacks to a colony in Africa.

While opposed to the slave trade, Randolph remains dependent on hundreds of slaves to work his tobacco plantation.

He provides for their manumission and resettlement in Ohio in his will.

Voters enjoy both his fiery character and his lively electioneering methods.

Randolph appeals directly to yeomen, using entertaining and enlightening oratory, sociability, and community of interest, particularly in agriculture, that lead to an enduring voter attachment to him regardless of his personal deficiencies.

His defense of limited government appeals to modern and contemporary conservatives, most notably Russell Kirk (1918–1994).