An Elected Monarch? Creating the American Presidency.

Have you ever wondered how the Founding Fathers managed to create a powerful executive branch without sliding into dictatorship?

In this episode of This Constitution, host Savannah Eccles Johnston sits down with Greg Jackson, a professor of national security studies at Utah Valley University and the host of the podcast History That Doesn't Suck. Together, they dive into the fascinating history and theory behind the creation of the American presidency.

They tackle the tricky balance between a republican government and the need for a strong executive who can act decisively in a crisis—a challenge they call the "Hannibal dilemma." The conversation touches on Thomas Jefferson’s time as governor, the flaws of the Articles of Confederation, and the aftermath of Shays' Rebellion. By the end, they emphasize how crucial a solid executive branch is within a constitutional framework to handle emergencies and keep order.

In This Episode:

● (01:19) The Hannibal dilemma

● (02:10) Constitutional dictatorship

● (02:54) The risks of power

● (04:01) Theoretical foundations

● (04:37) Montesquieu's separation of powers

● (05:50) John Locke's influence

● (08:02) State constitutions post-revolution

● (09:22) Public sentiment towards executives

● (09:39) Key features of state constitutions

● (10:26) Outlier states: Pennsylvania and New York

● (12:09) Lessons from state experiences

● (13:14) Thomas Jefferson's experience in Virginia

● (13:26) Jefferson's governance challenges

● (14:21) Investigating Jefferson's conduct

● (15:19) Fear of executive power

● (15:41) Jefferson's mixed feelings on the Constitution

● (16:17) Constitutional powers vs. crisis management

● (17:15) Jefferson's legacy

● (17:59) States vs. national government

● (18:18) Articles of Confederation overview

● (19:26) Independence of states

● (20:53) Weaknesses of the Articles

● (22:10) Challenges of taxation

● (24:21) Debt and economic issues

● (25:10) George Washington's leadership

● (26:03) Military limitations of the Articles

● (26:27) Shays' Rebellion and constitutional reform

● (26:52) The creation of the U.S. Constitution

● (27:00) Hamilton's experience

● (27:44) Crisis government

● (29:43) Constitutional context of rebellion