The Founding Fathers Group discussion

Our friends at the American Revolution Group have been musing about who was the most important Founder.

What are your opinions and choices?

This is a difficult question to answer readily. One would need to review the extent and quality of the Founder's contributions. George Washington, the most talented leader of his generation, deserves top consideration. Alexander Hamilton, devoted soldier and brilliant political theorist and innovative Treasury secretary, deserves recognition although he was very controversial as some of his critics were concerned he fancied himself an American Napoleon. Thomas Jefferson, for obvious reasons, is always near the top of such lists. James Madison, very influential at the Constitutional Convention and later in the first Congress and President, looms large despite his diminutive physical stature. (Of course, with Hamilton and John Jay, he authored the iconic Federalist Papers.) James Monroe is often omitted from consideration, but let's examine his record: brave soldier during the Revolution; secretary of state; President of the United States; at the center of many significant events in the early years of the new nation. John Marshall, also an outstanding soldier during the Revolutionary War, served as secretary of state under John Adams and most memorably as the greatest Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

There are so many others whose contributions have dimmed over time but who merit consideration: James Otis; John Jay; Gouvernor Morris; Patrick Henry (even though he actively opposed ratification of the Constitution); Benjamin Franklin; and of course, John Adams.

While there are many important figures, I think Washington stands out as the most important member of the founding fathers.
His courage and leadership turned raw poorly paid recruits into a workable army. His great escape ability and strategy “to not lose the war” allowed an American victory to occur.
His support of the Constitution secured its passage.
His acceptance of the presidency prevented a situation where regional loyalties could be exploited.
His establishment of the way in which the Executive Branch would perform had been fully accepted by succeeding presidents.
His selection of a free market capitalist economy has led his country to be the wealthiest country in history.
His voluntary relinquishing of the presidency was an unheard of act, at the time, which bolstered the reputation of Republican government.