Concerning Article II of the not-yet-ratified Constitution, the section giving the president almost unlimited “power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States," a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788 had "a weighty objection." 1/3

He thought the president “ought not to have the power of pardoning, because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself. It may happen, at some future day, that he will establish a monarchy, and destroy the republic." 2/3

"If he has the power of granting pardons before indictment, or conviction, may he not stop inquiry and prevent detection?" -- George Mason

Punchline: George Mason University's economics and law programs are effectively owned and operated by Charles Koch and the economic right.