The Founding Fathers: a messy blend of visionaries, philosophers, hypocrites, and powdered-wig men with far too many opinions. We asked 62 people to name their favorite and least favorite Founding Fathers—and the results were better than reality TV.
Some votes were expected. Others? Chaotic. But beneath the stats lies something deeper: what these preferences say about you.
Are you the type to idolize innovation? Crave order? Despise hypocrisy? Let’s unpack the fan (and anti-fan) energy that shaped this historical hot take.
You’re ambitious, dramatic, and have at least three side projects you started at 2 AM. You probably relate more to a man scribbling angry essays by candlelight than is strictly healthy. You love fast talkers, financial plans, and duels as metaphors.
You probably:
Romanticize overachievement.
Talk with your hands.
Treat every group project like it’s life or death.
You’re not just smart—you’re extra smart. Franklin fans appreciate eccentricity, wit, and someone who could invent both the lightning rod and the concept of vacationing in France.
You probably:
Are a chaotic good.
Have a favorite quill pen.
Would 100% flirt with French diplomats for leverage.
If Washington is your favorite, you value stability. You’re into leadership without the spotlight, humble confidence, and long silences that say more than words ever could. Also, you’re intimidating.
You probably:
Always know where your keys are.
Dress like a neutral color palette.
Exude “I have a plan” energy at all times.
You’re drawn to poetic language and idealistic manifestos. You believe in the promise of liberty—but whether or not you read the fine print is another matter. You like aesthetics. You’re not a fan of loud politics but might monologue anyway.
You probably:
Have strong “cottagecore philosopher” energy.
Own candles named after concepts.
Journal in cursive.
You love a thinker. Madison fans prefer logic, structure, and small groups. You’re not here for big speeches—you’re here for big results. You know how to read a room and silently take it over.
You probably:
Bring highlighters to parties.
Have a favorite amendment.
Thrive in Google Docs.
You can’t stand when someone talks about freedom while enslaving hundreds of people. Jefferson represents everything people find frustrating about America’s founding myths: lofty promises built on deep contradiction.
You probably:
Hate fake-deep people.
Demand that ideals match actions.
Will call someone out, even if they’re on the $2 bill.
You like your founders memorable, bold, and slightly unhinged. Jay just doesn’t do it for you. His policies were lukewarm, his stances too safe, and honestly—you just forgot he existed until now.
You probably:
Say “mid” with conviction.
Need your historical figures to leave drama behind.
Would’ve been bored at the Constitutional Convention.
If you hate Washington, you’re not afraid to question a statue. You think leadership without accountability isn’t leadership at all—and yes, the enslaved-person-sourced teeth haunt you.
You probably:
Are allergic to hero worship.
Cringe at “father of our country” posters.
Like your history real, not marble-washed.
He talks too much. He writes too much. He fights too much. You respect the brain, but the drama? No thanks. You’d rather take notes in peace than have your government run like an opera.
You probably:
Find ambition suspicious.
Unironically love Aaron Burr.
Block people mid-rant.
You know what he did. Burr makes your blood boil because he was smart enough to know better—but never bold enough to stand for something. You see indecision as worse than a bad decision.
You probably:
Hate people who text “k.”
Can spot a fake friend in 0.4 seconds.
Like your villains fully committed, not politely vague.
John Adams got a little hate for being uptight and abrasive.
Samuel Adams was mentioned being forgettable (and beer-dependent).
“None” / “All” / “N/A” were likely submitted by people who want to burn the Constitution and start fresh. Honestly? Respect.
Your favorite Founding Father says something about who you aspire to be. Your least favorite says what you refuse to tolerate.
Some want order. Others want wit. Some hate hypocrisy. Others just hate being bored.
And some of us (hi, it’s Morgan) love Benjamin Franklin because you (again, I mean me) think he’s a diva and dislike Patrick Henry because… well, not everyone who yells about liberty is as deep as they think.
This survey didn’t just reveal opinions—it revealed priorities. Whether you value firebrand speeches, silent strategy, or chaotic invention, one thing is clear: history isn’t dead. It’s just wearing a powdered wig and asking for your vote.
Morgan Muntean