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  • 'Mr. President'

  • George Washington and the Making of the Nation's Highest Office
  • By: Harlow Giles Unger
  • Narrated by: Robertson Dean
  • Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)
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'Mr. President'

By: Harlow Giles Unger
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
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Summary

Although the framers gave the president little authority, Washington knew whatever he did would set precedents for generations of his successors. To ensure their ability to defend the nation, he simply ignored the Constitution when he thought it necessary and reshaped the presidency into what James Madison called a "monarchical presidency." Modern scholars call it the "imperial presidency."

A revealing new look at the birth of American government, "Mr.President" describes George Washington's assumption of office in a time of continual crisis, as riots, rebellion, internecine warfare, and attacks by foreign enemies threatened to destroy the new nation. Drawing on rare documents and letters, Unger shows how Washington combined political cunning, daring, and sheer genius to seize ever-widening powers to solve each crisis.

In a series of brilliant but unconstitutional maneuvers, Washington forced Congress to cede control of the four pillars of executive power: war, finance, foreign affairs, and law enforcement. Then, in the absence of Congress, he sent troops to fight Indian wars, crush tax revolts, and put down threats of secession by three states.

Constantly weighing preservation of the Union against preservation of individual liberties and states' rights, Washington assumedmore power with each crisis. Often only a breath away from reestablishing the tyranny he pledged to destroy in the Revolutionary War, he imposed law andorder across the land while ensuring individual freedom and self-government.

©2013 Harlow Giles Unger (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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Very interesting book

The author brings a holistic view of George Washington that you do not hear about very often. Although you need to read multiple books about Washington to really understand him, this book serves as a good introduction. I like the author's perceptive comments, as history is not just about facts and dates, But personality and ideas. Although he could have expanded on These aspects a bit more I think. Overall highly recommended

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