George Washington
George Washington believed a president should step down after two terms due to personal circumstances like age and a desire for retirement, and because rotation in high office could align with the republican spirit of the Constitution. However, he also argued against mandatory rotation, emphasizing the importance of allowing capable individuals to serve in times of need. The record shows a tension between his personal views and broader constitutional principles.
- 1796-05-15 “May I be allowed further to add, as a consideration far more important, that an early example of rotation in an office of so high and delicate a nature may equally accord with the republican spirit of our Constitution, and the ideas of liberty and safety entertained by the people.”
- 1788-04-28 “I confess I differ widely myself from Mr. Jefferson and you, as to the necessity or expediency of rotation in that appointment... I can see no propriety in precluding ourselves from the services of any man, who on some great emergency shall be deemed universally most capable of serving the public.”
- 1788-04-28 “the encreasing infirmities of nature and the growing love of retirement do not permit me to entertain a wish beyond that of living and dying an honest man on my own farm.”
The full record: ledger, contrary evidence, reasoning, sources
1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)
Record ledger
- BELIEF (1788-04-28): George Washington believed that there was no necessity or expediency for rotation in the presidential appointment, and that there was no danger of a president continuing in office through intrigue unless in a state of 'corrupted morals and political depravity.' He argued that precluding capable individuals from serving was improper, especially in times of great emergency. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (1788-04-28): George Washington believed that a president should step down after two terms because of the 'encreasing infirmities of nature' and a 'growing love of retirement,' and because he personally did not wish to entertain the 'wishes' beyond living and dying an honest man on his own farm. This belief is grounded in his own expressed feelings and circumstances. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (1788-08-28): George Washington expressed a strong desire to live and die in peace and retirement on his own farm, indicating his belief in the importance of stepping down after serving his nation to return to private life. He also emphasized the value of maintaining the character of an honest man and avoiding accusations of ambition. "it is my great and sole desire to live and die, in peace and retirement on my own farm... I am, with great sincerity and esteem, etc."
- BELIEF (1796-05-15): George Washington believed that an early example of rotation in a high office may accord with the republican spirit of the Constitution and the ideas of liberty and safety. This is stated in the passage as a consideration he adds to the discussion. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (1796-09-17): George Washington believed that the alternate domination of political factions could lead to despotism and the destruction of public liberty. He argued that such factional conflicts, driven by revenge and dissension, could eventually result in the rise of a tyrant who exploits the public's desire for stability. "The alternate domination of one faction over another... turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty."
What cuts against it
- BELIEF (1788-04-28): George Washington believed that a president should not be forced to step down due to a general principle of rotation, but rather due to personal circumstances such as age and a desire for retirement. (key quote above)
2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)
1. George Washington believed that a president should step down after two terms due to personal circumstances such as age and a desire for retirement.
2. He also believed that an early example of rotation in a high office may accord with the republican spirit of the Constitution and the ideas of liberty and safety.
3. However, he also believed that there was no necessity or expediency for rotation in the presidential appointment, arguing that precluding capable individuals from serving was improper, especially in times of great emergency.
4. George Washington expressed a strong desire to live and die in peace and retirement on his own farm, indicating his belief in the importance of stepping down after serving his nation to return to private life.
5. The record shows a tension between Washington's personal desire for retirement and his belief in the necessity of rotation for the good of the republic.
3. HIS TAKE
Record coverage: PARTIAL
The record is silent on the specific reasons why a president should step down after two terms, beyond Washington's personal circumstances and his belief in the republican spirit of the Constitution.
Extrapolation: George Washington believed that a president should step down after two terms due to personal circumstances such as age and a desire for retirement, and because an early example of rotation may accord with the republican spirit of the Constitution and the ideas of liberty and safety.
Competing readings: The record supports the reading that Washington believed in the necessity of rotation for the good of the republic, but also supports the reading that he believed there was no necessity or expediency for rotation in the presidential appointment.
Confidence: Moderate, as the record provides partial coverage and supports multiple readings.
- The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.: The Writings of George Washington, vol. XI (1785-1790) (Worthington Chauncey Ford (editor)), p. 258. Document: TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.. Date: 1788-04-28. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xi-1785-1790/0105.02. Variants: washington/ia-writingsofgeorge29wash/0415.03, washington/gw-mgw-mgw2-015-015/0047.03, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xi-1785-1790/0105.03
- George Washington Papers, Series 2, Letterbooks 1754-1799: Letterbook 15, Feb. 22, 1788 - Nov. 14, 1788: 187 documents (Library of Congress American Memory transcriptions keyed from printed editions (source LCC). Document: To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. Date: 1788-04-28. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: washington/gw-mgw-mgw2-015-015/0047.03. Variants: washington/ia-writingsofgeorge29wash/0415.03, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xi-1785-1790/0105.02, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xi-1785-1790/0105.03
- George Washington Papers, Series 2, Letterbooks 1754-1799: Letterbook 15, Feb. 22, 1788 - Nov. 14, 1788: 187 documents (Library of Congress American Memory transcriptions keyed from printed editions (source LCC). Document: To ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Date: 1788-08-28. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: washington/gw-mgw-mgw2-015-015/0141.01. Variants: washington/ia-writingsofgeorge30wash/0092.01, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xi-1785-1790/0127.01
- The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.: The Writings of George Washington, vol. XIII (1794-1798) (Worthington Chauncey Ford (editor)). Document: TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.. Date: 1796-05-15. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xiii-1794-1798/0071.06. Variants: washington/ia-writingsofgeorge35wash/0074.02
- The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.: The Writings of George Washington, vol. XIII (1794-1798) (Worthington Chauncey Ford (editor)). Document: TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. September 17th, 1796.. Date: 1796-09-17. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xiii-1794-1798/0101.23. Variants: washington/ia-writingsofgeorge35wash/0201.11, washington/ia-writingsofgeorge35wash/0201.12, washington/gw-mgw-mgw2-024-024/0137.06, washington/gw-mgw-mgw2-024-024/0137.07, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xiii-1794-1798/0101.20, washington/ford-the-writings-of-george-vol-xiii-1794-1798/0101.21
Quote check: PASSED (6/6 quotations verified verbatim)