Synopses & Reviews
Although the friendship between George Washington and JamesMadison was eclipsed in the early 1790s by the alliances of Madison with Jeffersonand Washington with Hamilton, their collaboration remains central to theconstitutional revolution that launched the American experiment in republicangovernment. Washington relied heavily on Madison's advice, pen, and legislativeskill, while Madison found Washington's prestige indispensable for achieving hisgoals for the new nation. Together, Stuart Leibiger argues, Washington and Madisonstruggled to conceptualize a political framework that would respond to the majoritywithout violating minority rights. Stubbornly refusing to sacrifice either of theseobjectives, they cooperated in helping to build and implement a powerful, extremelyrepublican constitution.
Observing Washington andMadison in light of their special relationship, Leibiger argues against a series ofmisconceptions about the two men. Madison emerges as neither a strong nationalist ofthe Hamiltonian variety nor a political consolidationist; he did not retreat fromnationalism to states' rights in the 1790s, as other historians have charged.Washington, far from being a majestic figurehead, exhibits a strong constitutionalvision and firm control of his administration.
Byexamining closely Washington and Madison's correspondence and personal visits, Leibiger shows how a marriage of political convenience between two members of theChesapeake elite grew into a genuine companionship fostered by historical events anda mutual interest in agriculture and science. The development of their friendship, and eventual estrangement, mirrors in fascinating ways the political development ofthe early Republic.
Review
"This book examines the friendship and working relationship between James Madison and George Washington and makes a case for the importance of their collaboration in the creation
and adoption of the U. S. Constitution and the establishment of the American Republic. Their shared commitment to republicanism during the later years of the, revolutionary war, reinforced during the 1780's by their work on Potomac River improvements, blossomed into a friendship that at critical times, was crucial to the success of their joint endeavors: the framing and adoption of the Constitution, Washington's precedent -setting conduct as president, and the creation of Washington, D.C.Drawing heavily on the modern editions of the correspondence of Washington and Madison, Leibiger has fashioned a persuasive portrait of a great collaboration." Reviewed by Andrew Witmer, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)