Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon - For Fear of an Elective King: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789

In the spring of 1789, within weeks of the establishment of the new federal government based on the U.S. Constitution, the Senate and House of Representatives fell into dispute regarding how to address the president. Congress, the press, and individuals debated more than a dozen titles, many of which had royal associations and some of which were clearly monarchical. For Fear of an Elective King is Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazons rich account of the title controversy and its meanings.

The short, intense legislative phase and the prolonged, equally intense public phase animated and shaped the new nations broadening political community. Rather than simply reflecting an obsession with etiquette, the question challenged Americans to find an acceptable balance between power and the peoples sovereignty while assuring the countrys place in the Atlantic world. Bartoloni-Tuazon argues that the resolution of the controversy in favor of the modest title of President established the importance of recognition of the peoples views by the president and evidence of modesty in the presidency, an approach to leadership that fledged the presidencys power by not flaunting it.

How the country titled the president reflected the views of everyday people, as well as the recognition by social and political elites of the irony that authority rested with acquiescence to egalitarian principles. The controversys outcome affirmed the republican character of the countrys new president and government, even as the conflict was the opening volley in increasingly partisan struggles over executive power. As such, the dispute is as relevant today as in 1789.