Building a New Future
After a brief period of convincing the states, mainly using Washington’s influence, and organizing the convention, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison succeeded in opening the Constitutional Convention on May 13, 1786 in Philadelphia. The Convention, having delegates from every state, began by immediately electing Washington as Chairman of the Convention and then voting to keep the proceedings of the Convention confidential until after the Convention was finished.
Over the next three and a half months, the delegates would discuss, debate, and decide on any number of issues, some great and some small. While some of the issues would become quite heated, including slavery and questions of federal power, and foreshadow coming challenges to the country, the Convention would be a success.
The Summer of 1786 by Dr. David O’Sullivan, Cosgrove & Coombs Publishing
With the Convention convened the tenor of the meeting was quickly established, the utter replacement of the Articles of Confederation. Everyone was agreed with that principle, both delegate and common citizen alike. The elites of the nation had been utterly terrified by Albert’s Rebellion. They demanded stability and protection from mob rule. The lower classes wanted the freedom and opportunity they were promised during the War of Independence.
However, the delegates were not all agreed on what to replace the Articles with. It soon became apparent that a group, let by Alexander Hamilton, John Laurens, and George Lawrence Washington, favoring a strong national government with clear supremacy gained traction. It was not unanimous, however. A group, led by James Madison and Edmund Randolph, favored a more moderate, balanced federacy, did its best to keep a check on Hamilton.
In addition to the different philosophical approaches, Madison’s group also had a disproportionate number of delegates from the southern states. The south had not been as badly affected by the War of Independence, nor had they suffered as much disarray as the north had during the post-war years, finally, the south feared that the national government would soon be dominated by the more populous, wealthier north. It was not unanimous, however, as Laurens of South Carolina managed to bring the entire South Carolina delegation to Hamilton’s side.
George Washington, meanwhile, remained neutral in the debates, acting only as a moderator to keep the debate on task.
Article I Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States of America said:
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and in all cases the general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
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To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution all the Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
George Washington’s drawing room 7PM said:
“Sir, everyone agrees the nation needs a strong executive. A singular voice to speak for all of us, to protect the country, but the Convention is torn. Some of the members are afraid of creating tyrant, but we can’t go back mob rule. Everyone adores you, if you were to speak, accept the mantle of leadership.” It was Alexander, his friend and, in many ways, another son to George.
George folded his hands behind his back and looked into the fire. He had fought a war and then put down a rebellion to end tyranny in his country. Now, he was being asked to take a course of action that may result in another war.
George turned to his eldest son who was standing there. In many ways, George Lawrence was a younger version of the elder Washington. He had a wife that he loved in Abigail (Nabby to her friends and family) Adams, he already had two children, including a young, healthy son.
“Father, you a good man, a great father and a hero to our nation. If I can be half the man and father you are, it will see my life fulfilled. But father, our nation needs you, needs your wisdom and guidance. It is the only way to save the nation and secure our family’s legacy.”
George’s face tightened, George Lawrence was also a better politician that George. George supposed that had to do with George Lawrence’s friendship with Hamilton and spending time with his father-in-law.
George turned to his son and to Alexander and looked intently for a moment, then, he simply nodded. It was done.
Article II Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States of America said:
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America, who shall have the title “King of the Americans, Defender of the Constitution, Protector of the Rights of the Same.” George Washington and his direct heirs shall hold this title in hereditary perpetuity so long as justice and the rule of law is maintained.
The Congress shall have the power to set succession laws for the Presidency
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Heir Presumptive until such time that the President is able to return to office, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Heir Presumptive, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
In Case the Heir Presumptive is in his minority, the Congress shall have the power to create a Regency Council to execute the Powers of the Presidency until such time that the Heir Presumptive reaches his majority.
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Article II Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States of America said:
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He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the House of Representatives, to issue letters patent to individuals exhibiting profound service to the country and deserving of such an honor.
A Popular History of the United States: The Untold Truths and Elitist Lies in History by Dr. Howard Camacho, The People’s Press
It was done. With all the elites of the country pulling for a monarchy in all but name it was virtually assured. As the convention let out Hamilton and his royal clique began publishing a series of propaganda pieces called the “Federalist Papers” preaching the benefits of the new Constitution. It worked. Despite some protests from elements in the South, by and large the Constitution passed with flying colors.
Washington, the great hero of the War of Independence, became the great betrayer of the people. He had grew tired playing the role of Cincinnatus and, under pressure from Hamilton and Washington’s own son, showed his true colors, that of Augustus. He was crowned on April 26, 1788 as His Majesty George I, King of the Americans, Defender of the Constitution, Protector of the Rights of the Same.