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Stephen Hess, author of “America's Political Dynasties" (Brookings, 2015), is often asked "which dynasty is the greatest?"
To try and answer this question objectively, he invented “The Greatness Scale.” It measures the depth and breadth of American political families, not necessarily for their importance. The Harrisons, Adams, Roosevelts and Bushes, for instance, each produced two presidents, yet history does not weigh them equally.
A political family (or political dynasty) normally involves several family members who are/were involved in politics — particularly electoral politics. Members may be related by blood or marriage; often several generations or multiple siblings may be involved.
The scale uses a simple mathematical formula to gauge three key elements: succession (number of generations in office), family (number of members in office), and power (offices held).
However, Hess’ approach to political dynasties perpetuates a larger issue found throughout American political history, a top heavy obsession with the Executive branch of government. In my (the author) political scale, points can be earned across a much wider field of politics and in many additional capacities:
American founding fathers would be awarded 2 points for the signing and/or ratification of the following documents: (Articles of Association, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution and The Bill of Rights)
An American founding fathers would also award 1 point for the serving on the drafting committee or by showing great influence over the development of each of these documents.
Then Dynasty Points would be earned as follows:
• A US President or Chief Justice is awarded 10 points.
• A US Vice President, Associate Supreme Court Justice or Speaker of the House gets 6 points, and 3 points for each additional term or 5 years on the bench.
• A US Senator gets 5 points, an additional 2 points for each additional six (6) year term, and an additional 1 point for serving as the Senate Majority Leader
• A State Governor of State Chief Justice gets 4 points, 2 points for each additional term or 5 years on the State’s Supreme court bench.
• US House of Representative gets 3 points and 1 point for each additional term.
• US Federal Judge gets 2 points and 1 point for every 5 years on the bench.
• A Military General/Admiral gets 3 points, Lt. General 2 points and a Brigadier General 1 point (based on final rank, one-time assessment); Provisional or Military Governors earn 2 points
• A Presidential Cabinet Member earns 2 points for State, Justice and War/Defense per term… 1 point for all other cabinet members. (Secretary level only)
• National Chair of a political party gets 1 point per term.
Every family member who service in an elected and/or appointed political office, at the federal or state level, will earn 1 point as a dynasty member. Another 1 point will be given for each generation represented.
EXAMPLE: Under Hess’ model Roger Sherman earns 3 points as a US Senator, 2 points as Representative and 1 point as a family member; for a total of 6 points. Under my model Sherman earns 22 points across his entire political career.
001. Roger Sherman – American Founding Father
• Justice of the Peace, 0 Points
• Connecticut State House, 0 Points
• Connecticut State Senate, 0 Points
• Commissary, Connecticut Troops, 0 Points
• Governor’s Council, Connecticut State House, 0 Points
• Justice, Superior Court of Connecticut, 0 Points (1766-1789)
• Articles of Association, 2 Points
• Declaration of Independence, 2 Points, 1 Point = 3 Points
• Articles of Confederation, 2 Points, 1 Points = 3 Points
• Constitution, 2 Points, 1 Points = 3 Points
• Bill of Rights, 2 Points
• US Senator, 4 Points
• US House of Representatives, 3 Points
• Family Member, 1 Point
• 1st Generation
Total: 22 Points