A republic, if you can keep it : the foundation of the American presidency, 1700-1800

Bibliographic Information

A republic, if you can keep it : the foundation of the American presidency, 1700-1800

Michael P. Riccards

(Contributions in political science, no. 167)

Greenwood Press, 1987

Available at  / 17 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Riccards has written a unique account of the creation of and early experience with the US presidency. The author first explores the English and colonial experience that was relevant to structuring executive authority at the constitutional convention (as well as the theories supporting this experience). He then turns to familiar subjects--the decision-making in Philadelphia that led to a presidency and the role of the executive article in the ratification debate. All this is accomplished with clarity and economy of writing. The longer second part of the book is an analysis of George Washington's presidency, showing that Washington followed a federalist or strong executive model. Several brief chapters discuss the man and his popularity among the American people, the condition of the executive and bureaucracy before Washington became president, and events and policies that occupied the first president. The last chapter is an epilogue that all too briefly sets the Washington presidency in comparative and historical context. . . . The book is a useful contribution to presidential scholarship. Choice

Table of Contents

Book One: The Origins of Executive Authority The Uncertain Heritage The Royal Perogative The Provincial Governors The War Governors Creating the Presidency The Ratification Controversy Book Two: The Washington Administration The Authentic American Cincinnatus Returns The Grand Procession The First Inaugeration The Presidents Before Washington The Bureaucracy Before Washington The Removal Date His Highness, the Presidency The Debt Assumption Deal The Establishment of the Bank Washington as an Administrator The Tribes and the Long Knives Fathering the Parties A Falling Out of Sons The Fires of Factionalism Towards Neutrality The Whiskey Insurrection The Jay Treaty Troubles in the House--1796 French Ire to the End, 1796-97 Washington as Legend Epilogue Bibliographical Essay Notes Index

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1

Details

Page Top