Readers of GraniteGrok are well aware of the Founder’s fear of tyranny and how they would perceive the current imperial presidency. For those who don’t have their copy of the Anti-Federalist Papers handy, here are some quotes:
Cato No. 4 (possibly written by George Clinton but definitely not by this George Clinton):
“He is not periodically elected, nor is he amenable to any constitutional tribunal for his maladministration. No adequate provision is made to prevent his being elevated to kingly dignity…”
Brutus No. 1 (likely Robert Yates):
“The executive power, in our government, will be more dangerous than the legislature. The president, in the field, at the head of his army, can prescribe the terms on which he shall reign master, so far at least as will enable him to accomplish his purposes.”
Centinel No. 1 (probably Samuel Bryan):
“The president of the United States will be generally directed by minions and favorites; by those who have the greatest interest in supporting his power and aggrandizing his authority.”
Federal Farmer No. 2 (attributed to Richard Henry Lee):
“Your president may easily become king. Your senate is so imperfectly constructed that your dearest rights may be sacrificed by what may be a small minority…”
My personal favorite is from George Mason:
“The president of the United States is to be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states when called into the actual service of the United States. By virtue of this power, he may subvert the laws of the union, and assume to himself the direction of the police and internal administration of the state.”
We want to thank Kevin Tyson for this Contribution. Submit yours to steve@granitegrok.com
Thanks to the Tenth Amendment Center, I recently learned that some of the unique features of New Hampshire’s state government exist as a response to these clearly well-founded fears. Our executive serves a two-year term, thus providing the citizenry with the opportunity but not the obligation to prevent the governor from assuming “kingly dignity.” Our Executive Council, a body unique to our state’s governance structure, addresses these issues in several ways. For those unfamiliar with this body, the Executive Council consists of five members, each elected from one of the five council districts in the state. This enables regional representation and prevents the concentration of power in a single individual or a small group from one region of the state. The council shares significant executive powers with the governor. It must approve many of the governor’s actions, including appointments to key positions, state contracts, and expenditure approvals. This dilutes the governor’s power and ensures a broader consensus for executive decisions.
While far from perfect, those of us who have emigrated from the People’s Democratic Republic of New York, a state whose motto, “The Empire State,” clearly expresses where it stands with regard to tyranny, can really appreciate this aspect of the “New Hampshire Advantage.” And for all citizens of New Hampshire, I would advise you to find the answers to the following questions:
- In which council district do you reside?
- Who is your counselor?
- Whose name will appear on your ballot to be your counselor?
- Who is the actual executive running the United States?