Publisher's Synopsis
Although the framers gave the president little authority, Washington knew whatever he did would set precedents for generations of his successors. To ensure their ability to defend the nation, he simply ignored the Constitution when he thought it necessary and reshaped the presidency into what James Madison called a "monarchical presidency." Modern scholars call it the "imperial presidency."
One day at Mount Vernon, a young boy climbed into a window, fell, and hurt himself. George Washington, who had advanced rheumatism then, called for his servant to help. When the boy recovered, Washington asked why the boy had come in. The servant told him the boy wanted to get a look at the president. Washington then asked to see the boy.
"You wanted to see the president, did you? Well, I am George Washington."