In political and policy debates, both sides often claim the mantle of the Founders. We often hear or read statements that begin with the words “The Founders thought….” or “The Founding fathers believed….” or “It was the Founders intent…” etcetera. These statements are sometimes provable but often not. Usually they are a form of rhetoric designed to gain the moral high ground and appeal to the patriotic instincts most Americans hold dear.
So what would the Founding Fathers have thought of the prospect of a government shutdown? Could they have even foreseen such a possibility?
Thanks to the writings of James Madison, affectionately known as the Father of The Constitution we know the definitive answer to both of these questions.
Hint: He was a pretty ardent supporter of separation of powers and a big fan of the House of Representatives…