George Washington and the Two-Term Precedent / David A. Yalof.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Yalof, David Alistair, author.

Series:

Landmark presidential decisions.

Landmark Presidential Decisions

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Executive power--United States--History.

Executive power.

Presidents--Term of office--United States.

Presidents.

United States--Politics and government.

United States.

United States. Constitution--22nd Amendment.

Washington, George, 1732-1799--Influence.

Washington, George.

Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945.

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (129 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Lawrence, Kansas : University Press of Kansas, [2023]

Summary:

"One of the earliest and most consequential presidential decisions was George Washington's decision to step down after two terms in office, despite the fact he would almost certainly have won a third term in office had he chosen to run. His decision set a pattern that would be followed by presidents for more than a century to follow, until FDR broke with tradition and instigated the passing of the 22nd Amendment. While popularly portrayed as a noble decision by Washington to restrain the power of the executive office, Yalof argues that Washington was motivated in large part by self-interest-a desire to cement a legacy of honor and integrity. He was also never motivated by the desire to reign in the executive with an unwritten two-term limit. If anything, Washington hoped to strengthen the executive branch by demonstrating that the institution of the presidency could be trusted with even more power and independence than it had so far received. His voluntary relinquishment of the presidency after eight years in office achieved these goals"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

Foreword by Richard J. Ellis

Preface and Acknowledgments

Introduction: George Washington and the Two-Term Precedent

1. Sacrifice (1787-1892): The Quest for a Limited Executive

2. Decision (1793-1797): The Second Term and the Decision to Leave Office

3. Aftermath (1797-1951): The Presidents Who Followed Washington and the Precedent They Followed

Conclusion: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Notes

Bibliographic Essay

Index

Back Cover.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780700635115

0700635114