George Mason and the Ambiguity of Executive Power

Abstract

In studies of how the Founders viewed executive power, little has been said about George Mason despite his involvement in creating two executives: the Virginia governorship and the American presidency. This article examines how George Mason defined and arranged executive power during his forays into constitution making. I find that Mason presents a unique understanding of how executive power should be treated in a republican context and within a system of separation of powers, allowing us to better observe and comprehend the subtleties and tensions in establishing and perpetuating a strong, but limited, executive.