Roger Griswold graduated from Yale College and was admitted to the bar in the early 1780s. He spent over a decade in Congress, where he chaired the Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Business and served on the Committee on Ways and Means. Following his congressional service, Griswold held judicial and executive roles in Connecticut, including serving as a judge of the Supreme Court of Connecticut and Lieutenant Governor. He was also a proponent of secession from the union in 1803. Griswold's family had a notable history in Connecticut politics, with his father and maternal grandfather having served as governors.

Roger Griswold's political career reveals an intriguing blend of federalism and regionalism, advocating for a strong federal economic role while simultaneously supporting secession to preserve local interests. His environmental policies demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to sustainable land use, contrasting with his more conservative fiscal stance. Griswold's legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His physical altercation with a Democratic-Republican colleague underscores a combative rhetorical style, even as he navigates complex policy terrains.