What was the original intent of US presidential power to pardon?

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This was simply a continuation of the royal prerogative of mercy

This had been a power of the kings and queens of England (and successor realms) in use since at least 1617. Since 1688, England had been a constitutional monarchy with the monarch officially and legally subordinate to Parliament. However, a small number of residual powers remained with the monarch including the prerogative of mercy.

When the United States replaced the king with a President, they simply gave them the same power.

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