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Author Bartoloni-Tuazon, Kathleen, author.

Title For fear of an elective king : George Washington and the presidential title controversy of 1789 / Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon.

Publication Info. Ithaca, New York : Cornell University Press, 2014.
©2014

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Description 1 online resource (x, 252 pages) : illustrations
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 227-243) and index.
Note Print version record.
Contents Introduction : the title controversy and the early presidency -- "An improper distinction of rank" : the persistence of titles -- The third body of Washington : sovereignties in confusion -- Protecting the presidency : a republican dilemma -- Debating a "doubtful power" : the legislative battle engaged -- "Strange contradictions" : the people confront status distinction -- A "dangerous vice" : leaders under scrutiny -- Conclusion : the path to American democratic leadership.
Summary "In the spring of 1789, within weeks of the establishment of the new federal government based on the U.S. Constitution, the Senate and House of Representatives fell into dispute regarding how to address the president. Congress, the press, and individuals debated more than thirty titles, many of which had royal associations and some of which were clearly monarchical. For Fear of an Elective King is Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon's rich account of the title controversy and its meanings. The short, intense legislative phase and the prolonged, equally intense public phase animated and shaped the new nation's broadening political community. Rather than simply reflecting an obsession with etiquette, the question challenged Americans to find an acceptable balance between power and the people's sovereignty while assuring the country's place in the Atlantic world. Bartoloni-Tuazon argues that the resolution of the controversy in favor of the modest title of "President" established the importance of recognition of the people's views by the president and evidence of modesty in the presidency, an approach to leadership that fledged the presidency's power by not flaunting it. How the country titled the president reflected the views of everyday people, as well as the recognition by social and political elites of the irony that authority rested with acquiescence to egalitarian principles. The controversy's outcome affirmed the republican character of the country's new president and government, even as the conflict was the opening volley in increasingly partisan struggles over executive power. As such, the dispute is as relevant today as in 1789"--Dust jacket.
Subject Washington, George, 1732-1799.
Washington, George, 1732-1799. (OCoLC)fst00178100
Presidents -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
Forms of address -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
Executive power -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
Political culture -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
United States -- Politics and government -- 1789-1797.
HISTORY -- United States -- State & Local -- General.
HISTORY -- United States -- Revolutionary Period (1775-1800)
Executive power. (OCoLC)fst00917857
Forms of address. (OCoLC)fst00932979
Political culture. (OCoLC)fst01069263
Political science. (OCoLC)fst01069781
Presidents. (OCoLC)fst01075723
United States. (OCoLC)fst01204155
Chronological Term 1700 - 1799
Genre/Form History. (OCoLC)fst01411628
Electronic books.
Note George Washington and the presidential title controversy of 1789
Other Form: Print version: Bartoloni-Tuazon, Kathleen. For fear of an elective king. Ithaca : Cornell University Press, 2014 9780801452987 (DLC) 2014007803 (OCoLC)879583350
ISBN 0801471915 (electronic bk.)
9780801471919 (electronic bk.)
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