Shaping the Electoral College Part XI

ArticleVBlog ^ | September 9th 2019 | Rodney Dodsworth

[Jacquerie]

Subtitle: In Convention August 24th – His Excellency, the President of the United States of America.

Today’s Summary:

• First formal use of “President.”
• Single seven year term.
• Elected by Congress, by joint session or by each house separately?
• By joint session, which threw dominance to large States, passed 7-4.
• One vote per State? No, by 6-5 vote.
• Corruption & intrigue w/Congressional election.
• Popular vote to appoint electors narrowly failed, 6-5.

From the Committee of Style’s August 6th report, "The executive power of the U. S. shall be vested in a single person. His stile shall be "The President of the U. S. of America" and his title shall be "His Excellency." He shall be elected by ballot by the Legislature. He shall hold his office during the term of seven years; but shall not be elected a second time.”

Delegates accepted a tradeoff in the mode of electing this new guy to history, the President of the United States. In legislative appointment, they expected cabal and intrigue. Imagine the scene, even prior to the 17th Amendment of 1913, of Congressmen and Senators, led by the majority and minority leaders, cajoling and offering side deals along the way of appointing a President! Did the Framers really believe the outcome of this behind the scenes plotting, a creature of Congress, could actually arrive in office without political debts and take the oath of office with a clear conscience?