This Constitution Podcast | Season 1 | Episode 3

This Constitution - Episode 3
George Washington Builds the Presidency
Are you ready to uncover how one man's choices shaped the very essence of the American presidency? How did George Washington, a military leader turned statesman, navigate the turbulent waters of power and liberty? What challenges did he face as he established the precedents that govern our leaders today?
In this episode of This Constitution, host Matthew Brogdon sits down with Paul Carrese to delve into George Washington's presidency, exploring his pivotal role in establishing the executive branch within the newly created Constitution. Carrese, a civic thought and leadership fellow, discusses Washington's challenges in legitimizing a strong executive role, influenced by classical sources and his commitment to public service. Key topics include Washington's handling of the national bank controversy, the Jay Treaty, and the Whiskey Rebellion, illustrating his balanced approach to executive power. The episode also highlights Washington's farewell address, emphasizing unity, the dangers of political parties, and his enduring legacy.
In This Episode:
(00:03) Introduction to the Constitution
(00:15) Introduction to Paul Carrese
(01:33) Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention
(02:58) Washington's legitimacy
(06:01) Washington's first inaugural address
(07:31) Washington's farewell address
(08:45) Washington's self-education
(09:31) Influence of classical thinkers
(12:14) Washington's concept of office
(14:40) Episodes of Washington's leadership
(15:54) The bank's rationale
(17:21) Washington's cabinet strategy
(18:21) Madison's shift on the bank
(20:03) Hamilton's economic influence
(22:18) Washington's diplomatic role
(23:12) Constitutional interpretation of treaties
(24:15) Washington's treaty process
(25:29) The Jay Treaty controversy
(28:04) Whiskey Rebellion context
(30:43) Constitutional enforcement
(31:46) Peace through strength
(32:38) Washington's farewell address
(33:14) Washington's relationship with party
(34:31) Significance of the farewell address
(36:46) Counsels in the farewell address
(38:51) Washington's legacy
(39:24) George III's remark on Washington
Notable Quotes
[06:01] "He shows year after year that he is not a monarch, that the Constitution guides him. This is an office he's holding under the Constitution, and he's showing the value of it." - Paul Carrese
[12:14] "He had a liberal education more than we give him credit for. He spent the money on the books to do that, and he absorbed it. He's a wonderful emblem of, but embodiment of, the liberal arts education that all these great learned founders had." - Paul Carrese
[19:10] "We get ourselves into a war that we didn't need to get ourselves into because we have no army, no navy, and no bank." - Paul Carrese
[27:27] "Washington just keeps his cool and says, 'I'm doing what the Constitution says should be done,' and the Senate will have to decide." - Paul Carrese
[30:43] "It's a reprise for him of the very reason why you needed Article One, Article Two, and a new Constitution. We followed the letter of the law; we are now going to enforce the letter of the law." - Paul Carrese
[32:14] "This was a test of our constitutional form of government and whether self-government could follow the rule of law, and we passed the test." - Paul Carrese
[32:38] "Washington's farewell address warned Americans to revere their laws and constitutions and emphasizes the importance of character and morality in national politics." - Matthew Brogdon
[39:24] "If that's true, Washington is the greatest character of the age. This is George the Third." - Paul Carrese
Our Guest
Paul Carrese is a professor at Arizona State University and the founding director of the School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership, a path-breaking example of civic education in the U.S. He is also the Civic Thought and Leadership Fellow at the Jack Miller Center for the Teaching of America’s Founding Principles and History. His recent book, Democracy in Moderation (2016), examines American political thought. In 2024, he will continue his work with the Jack Miller Center, inspiring institutions dedicated to civic education and contributing to the Center for Constitutional Studies.
Resources and Links
This Constitution
bit.ly/4dLYuKY
Matthew Brogdon
/ matthew-brogdon
uvu.academia.e...
Paul Carrese
/ paul-carrese
search.asu.edu...
Mentioned Resources
Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington" by Richard Brookhiser
The Life of George Washington" by John Marshall
Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
Federalist No. 10
Washington's Farewell Address