pierre lafon was one of them. it is based on democratic principles. first of all, he selected the highest point in the city of washington to serve as the site as the legislative branch. this was important. afterall our founding fathers had rebelled against the monarchy of king george iii, they were trying to establish was the importance of democracy. it became known as the united states capitol. then baniker selected a site right in the heart of the city for the executive mansion as it was then called. this was to signify that the president was to live and work in the heart of the people that he was to serve. to this day, the executive mansion or the white house, as it has been known since the presidency of theodore roosevelt is the only executive mansion in the world regularly open to the public. this is very significant, this is a very important principle of american democracy, that any one of us can go and visit the white house. if you're a member of congress, it takes a little time, but you can go and visit, it is very open and accessible to the p