Mr. President : George Washington and the making of the nation’s highest office

Description

"Although the framers gave the president little authority, George Washington knew whatever he did would set precedents for generations of future leaders. To ensure their ability to defend the nation, he simply ignored the Constitution when he thought it necessary. In a revealing new look at the birth of American government, "Mr. President" describes Washington's presidency in a time of continual crisis, as rebellion and attacks by foreign enemies threatened to destroy this new nation. Constantly weighing preservation of the Union against preservation of individual liberties and states' rights, Washington assumed more power with each crisis. In a series of brilliant but unconstitutional maneuvers he forced Congress to cede control of the four pillars of executive power: war, finance, foreign affairs, and law enforcement. Drawing on rare documents and letters, Unger shows how Washington combined political cunning and sheer genius to seize ever-widening powers, impose law and order while ensuring individual freedom, and shape the office of President of the United States."-- Read more... Abstract: In this startling look at the birth of American government, award-winning author Harlow Giles Unger shows how George Washington transformed the presidency from a ceremonial post into the most powerful office on earth. Washington combined political cunning, daring, and sheer genius to seize ever-widening powers and impose law and order on the young nation while ensuring individual freedom for its citizens. Read more... Content: A mutiny over bounties -- A coup d'état in Philadelphia-- His highness, the president -- "Do you advise and consent?" -- The shell game -- Alive with wrath -- Tar and taxes -- The French plot -- "The president was much inflamed" -- Venomous reptiles on our shores -- The madman and the Indians -- The final pillar -- Farewell from a friend -- First in the hearts of his countrymen -- Appendix : The pillars of presidential power and President Washington's precedents.