I want to emphasize that their achievement of a working democracy is remarkable, but I am curious if their policies are "any good".
As a follow up, is there/was there a concious attempt to link them to the 'good emperors' of Rome or is it just a coincidence? I know the founders were fond of the Romans even if it was more for the Republic than the Empire.
Just for clarification: are you refering to presidents of the United States of America (Washington, Adams, etc...) or the presidents of the continental congress (Randolph, Middleton, etc...)?
Edit* The dates you included insinuate the former. I appologize.