14. The First Ladies of the United States
The role of the First Lady is not defined in any of the founding documents, nor in the US Code, nor practically speaking anywhere else. Yet few have had greater influence on the administration of their husbands, and thus on the nation. Some, such as Abigail Adams, left us their correspondence from which their influence can be gleaned. Others remain a mystery. In some cases the president’s daughters or the wives of friends filled the role for levees and state functions. The role of the First Lady remains little studied and understood, and their influence on American history is immeasurable.