#95: CIVICS 101: The Executive Branch
Q&A #95: How is the President addressed?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: White House and Executive Office of the President
Q&A #95: How is the President addressed?
Simply as ‘‘Mr. President.’’ A letter sent to the Chief Executive is addressed ‘‘The President, The White House.’’
One of the earliest congressional debates dealt with the title of the Chief Executive. A committee of the House of Representatives suggested the simple title ‘‘The President of the United States.’’ However, the Senate rejected this report in May 1789 at the behest of Vice President John Adams. Adams believed that ‘‘titles and politically inspired elegance were essential aspects of strong government,’’ and supported the title ‘‘His Highness the President of the United States and protector of their Liberties.’’ George Washington himself was annoyed by this debate and made known his annoyance at Adams’s attempts to ‘‘bedizen him with a superb but spurious title.’’ The issue was resolved on May 27 when the Senate agreed that the Chief Executive should have the simple title ‘‘the President of the United States.’’
My Thoughts
One of my favorite scenes from the HBO’s series John Adams, based on David McCullough’s book of the same name, reenacts this precise debate. Enjoy!
Back next time with Q&A #96: What are the enumerated or express constitutional powers of the President?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
May 14, 2025