Originally posted by Don Cardi:
But getting back to Godfather 1, I think that Fredo was a made man. As you pointed out he did sit in on some important meetings. And also, as you've pointed out, Vito knew his (Fredo's) limitations. So he may have given him a postion within the family, one that seemed important to Fredo himself, but in truth one that couldn't really have been that important.
One line in GF that always had me wondering just how high up Fredo really was is when Clemenza says to Sonny, after the Vito is shot ; "I asked Freddy if he wants me to get a different bodyguard and he said no."
That line alone tells me that Fredo did have some kind of control over the Capos and the soldiers.
Perhaps that is the reason that Fredo was soooo angry when Mike took over, feeling that he should have been the next in line, but instead was stepped over. He may have really believed that he was doing important stuff while he was under his father's command.
Don Cardi 
Very insightful comment, DC. I agree completely.
The novel says Fredo "was still living at home," when, as a bachelor he presumably could have lived outside the mall. I think Vito kept him close, simply as a way of compensating him for his weakness and apparent lack of force--maybe making him feel good.
So, he might nominally have been "responsible" for his father's personal safety. In that role, he might have had sway over Clemenza and Tessio's choice of real bodyguards for his father--and nothing more. While this seems important (and it is), the family had enjoyed 10 years of peace just before Vito was shot. So Vito (mistakenly) might have thought it was a little bone he could throw poor Fredo to make him feel important.
BTW, dt: I don't think your excellent question had been asked before. Take a bow, fella!
