Founding Principle #3: Virtuous and Moral Leaders (and their salaries)

Continuing our series that showcases 28 major principles the founding fathers adhered to when founding America is founding principle #3: Virtuous and Moral Leaders (and their salaries). Adapted from The 5000 Year  Leap.

Founding Principle #3: Virtuous and Moral Leaders (and their salaries)

This one seems pretty obvious, but the founders believed that having good leaders will ensure the continuation of the republic. Go figure.

The founders had a lot to say about what constitutes a good leader however.  Their idea of a leader was more of a public servant-type figure, sacrificing much of their own life in order to properly serve the public.

This guy, George Washington, refused his salary while Commander in Chief of the Army.

What, no Money? 

In fact, political positions were not meant to provide high salaries whatsoever, they were originally intended to pay a modest amount that covered the necessities, so as not to create a reason for seeking a political position other than to serve the public, such as the church does with its priests. It was an attempt to keep the public officials objective. 

 That didn’t last long obviously.