Cole Hawkins
Honors paper
Thesis:George Washington’s vision for American government was different from how our government acts today.
In 1787, George Washington had his image everywhere. He was the American savior, but after his term was up, he wanted to go home because he felt that the government had checks and balances to maintain a stable system. Washington believed that the government should hold itself accountable, and not be ruled by one single person. As a founding father, he helped decide how the 3 branches of government would do what’s best for the country without a king. Even though people built him up and wanted him to be the “Republican King,” Washington was passionate to keep a country where the people had the power to choose their leaders. This was important for America to escape fully from monarchy like they had in England.
Washington’s thinking should be promoted in considering the limited choices that that we have now. Even though the government still checks and balances itself, only Republican and Democratic views are taken into account in what has become a 2 party system. Washington would be astounded to see the regression of democracy. Independent parties are not voted in today due to those two parties becoming so powerful. Can Washington’s point of view influence us in making the U.S. Government a democracy once again?
Washington was so popular with the American People because they liked what he stood for, and he acted on his beliefs. He stepped down from the presidency to support the original ideas that the people fought for. He wanted tranquility and “he latterly felt in his bones that if he went another term in president he would die in office.” (Ellis, 127)
As American People today, change needs to happen in order for us to move forward. If we had the point of view of George Washington, we can re-create the democracy that he helped found.
Citation:
“Founding Brothers,” Joseph J. Ellis
Honors paper
Thesis:George Washington’s vision for American government was different from how our government acts today.
In 1787, George Washington had his image everywhere. He was the American savior, but after his term was up, he wanted to go home because he felt that the government had checks and balances to maintain a stable system. Washington believed that the government should hold itself accountable, and not be ruled by one single person. As a founding father, he helped decide how the 3 branches of government would do what’s best for the country without a king. Even though people built him up and wanted him to be the “Republican King,” Washington was passionate to keep a country where the people had the power to choose their leaders. This was important for America to escape fully from monarchy like they had in England.
Washington’s thinking should be promoted in considering the limited choices that that we have now. Even though the government still checks and balances itself, only Republican and Democratic views are taken into account in what has become a 2 party system. Washington would be astounded to see the regression of democracy. Independent parties are not voted in today due to those two parties becoming so powerful. Can Washington’s point of view influence us in making the U.S. Government a democracy once again?
Washington was so popular with the American People because they liked what he stood for, and he acted on his beliefs. He stepped down from the presidency to support the original ideas that the people fought for. He wanted tranquility and “he latterly felt in his bones that if he went another term in president he would die in office.” (Ellis, 127)
As American People today, change needs to happen in order for us to move forward. If we had the point of view of George Washington, we can re-create the democracy that he helped found.
Citation:
“Founding Brothers,” Joseph J. Ellis