The Issue…
Whenever election time rolls around, the age-old debate about the importance that character plays in the presidency comes front and center. Does character matter in the president, or do we just need someone who can get the job of governing done? My answer is that our form of government requires good character, and the responsibilities of the person occupying the Oval Office are so vital, that they demand it.
What our founders thought…
When our nation’s founders embarked upon the great “American Experiment” they understood its delicate nature. How could citizens rule themselves, and provide for the collective interest of the people, despite an acknowledged pre-disposition of self-interest inherent in the human condition? Part of the answer was to build a form of government with separate branches that provide balance of powers. The other part requires a belief that despite the flaws in humanity, man’s virtues are equally powerful—and they would be essential.
The founder’s wrote in the Federalist Papers, that the government under consideration would not work, unless its leaders and citizens were a virtuous people. They understood that the difference between a Republic (representative self-government) and a Monarchy (authoritarian rule) was that the leaders of a Republic were servants of the people. Those leaders were to be bound by a noble conscience, rather than their self-interest.
What is character anyway?
What exactly is character? Character is the sum quality of who a person really is—the combined total of their moral and civic virtues—good or bad. One’s character is the result of life choices and the conduct of living. Charles Stanley, an Atlanta pastor, says that character development is ultimately what God is trying to do in our lives. God is all about character development, not personality change.
In my view, good character is the most significant ingredient to effective leadership. It can be seen on the outside in one’s public image, but it is developed on the inside. But as we know, what you see is not always what you get. It is forged through intentional pursuit and fortified through adversity and perseverance. Everyone has heard the saying “Character reveals itself when no one is looking.” I would also say that character reveals itself when everyone is looking.
High character is a reflection of the civic and moral virtues that appeal to our highest spirit. It is so important, that the need for great character in our society is reflected in the honor codes and oaths adopted by the military, universities and other great institutions.
The role of character in the presidency…
Civic and moral virtues are the qualities of being that inspire confidence and trust, vital components of every relationship- including that between leaders and followers. It’s necessary for the President to have the confidence and trust of the people to be effective. Don’t you think this is especially true for the United States where the President is not only the Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, but also the symbolic leader and conscience of the nation?
A democracy‘s role is to represent the interest of the majority, but not violate the rights of the minority. When the President fashions his or her vision through public policy, this is where character matters. It’s easy to stand on the side of the majority because it is easier to drift with the currents of popular opinion—even when the rights of the minority are infringed. It takes character to stand and make an argument for the rights of the minority. The President must be careful not to interpret the merits of public policy through the lens of his or her self-interest. Public policy must be viewed with the obligation to represent the majority and protect the rights of the minority, even if contrary to one’s own interest. And this requires character.
As long as a President is demonstrated to be a person of high character, moral authority is at his or her side, and with it comes the fortune of respect, trust and confidence of the people. Our country demands and deserves nothing less.
Be Your Best!
“It is our character that supports the promise of our future – far more than particular government programs or policies.”
— William Bennett, Former Secretary of Education