Soon after it convened, the Constitutional Convention agreed to have a single executive as opposed to a plural executive which was favored by a few delegates who feared the reinstitution of a monarchy. Greater disagreements persisted on the manner of electing the executive. Some wanted the President to be elected by Congress for a long term, but ineligible for reelection. Others favored
direct election by the people for a shorter term with no term limits. A compromise eventually provided that the President would be elected for a four-year term by electors chosen in a manner prescribed by the state legislatures. No restrictions were placed on the President’s eligibility for reelection. During the ratification debates, Antifederalists charged that the President would become an elected monarch, that cabals would develop to ensure his reelection, and that the presidential
veto power would be abused. They further feared that presidential power to grant pardons would allow the president to conspire with others in treasonable activities with impunity. Federalist praised the Presidency. They pointed to the weaknesses of the Confederation and state governments with their nearly powerless executives. For Federalists, America needed a separate President with executive powers to enforce federal laws and conduct foreign policy effectively. Federalists contrasted the
American Presidency with the British Monarchy. They argued that the former had limited power, checked by the two other branches whereas the latter had almost unlimited power. Federalists maintained that the President would be accountable to both the people and Congress. If he failed to satisfy the people, he would not be reelected; if he committed crimes, he could be impeached by Congress. Furthermore, everyone realized that George Washington would be elected the first President. Washington
had previously rejected total power in 1783, preferring retirement. He could be expected to follow a similar course of action after he set in motion the new government under the Constitution. Federalists argued that this example would be followed by his successors. The following documents are taken from The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution and have been grouped into sub-categories to better understand the nuances of the debate over the President and the executive branch during the ratification period. (F) Federalist Essays/Speeches Blended with other Branches(AF) George Mason’s Objections to the Constitution of Government formed by the Convention, Fall 1787 Commander in Chief(AF) Tamony, Virginia Independent Chronicle, 9 January 1788 Comparison to Monarchy(AF) An Old Whig V, Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer, 1 November 1787 Election of Executive(AF)
Luther Martin: Genuine Information IX, Baltimore Maryland Gazette, 29 January 1788 General Criticisms of Executive(AF)
Massachusetts Centinel, 21 November 1787 General Praise of Executive(F)
Americanus II, New York Daily Advertiser, 23 November 1787 Impeachment of Executive(F) An American Citizen, On the Federal Government I, II, Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer, 26-29 September 1787 Powers of Executive(AF) An Old Whig III, Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer, 20 October 1787 Term of Executive(AF) Cato IV, New York Journal, 8 November 1787 Why was it difficult for delegates to the Constitutional Convention to create a government for the United states?Diverging plans, strong egos, regional demands, and states' rights made solutions difficult. Five months of debate, compromise, and creative strategies produced a new constitution creating a federal republic with a strong central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments.
What were the major disagreements at the Constitutional Convention?The major debates were over representation in Congress, the powers of the president, how to elect the president (Electoral College), slave trade, and a bill of rights.
Why did the Constitutional Convention delegates disagree about how states should be represented in the legislative branch?Small states feared they would be ignored if representation was based on population while large states believed that their larger populations deserved more of a voice.
Why did some delegates refuse to accept the constitution?One of the most famous reasons for why certain delegates didn't sign was that the document lacked a legitimate Bill of Rights which would protect the rights of States and the freedom of individuals. Three main advocates of this movement were George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph.
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