Integrity over Politics: President Madison’s Final Act to Defend the Constitution
On his last day in office, James Madison delivered what might be history’s most significant – and overlooked – presidential veto. This was in response to the Bonus Bill in 1817 – an infrastructure bill, what they referred to as “internal...
War Powers: The True History of John Adams and the Quasi-War with France
Many people believe presidents have a great deal of authority to make unilateral decisions about war without the approval of Congress. To support this conclusion, they often point to actions taken by early presidents such as John Adams. But this narrative doesn’t...
Tench Coxe on the Executive Branch: President, not a King
American presidents behave almost like elected kings, exercising vast powers with very little accountability. But that wasn’t the plan. Tench Coxe was a key figure in the ratification debates, and he argued the presidency was designed to be a far cry from a...