Vattel, from what i’ve read is what the framers relied on in part to shape the Constitution, but if this is true then they were aware there was exceptions to the rule for Natural Born. At the time of Vattel’s rules, Women were not equal and Blacks were property. I think the Framers were forward looking and maybe envisioned America as a world power were more exceptions might have to be made, which is why Natural Born is not clearly defined.
I doubt the Founders thought exceptions had to be made. If they had, they wouldn't have used the term natural born. they would have just said citizen.
Natural born HAS been clearly defined and has been for over a hundred years. Someone is natural born because they have nothing else to choose from. Born in a country of parents who are its citizens. I learned it in high school civics class. I've seen other FReepers say they did as well.
And nothing I've learned since has contradicted it.
“which is why Natural Born is not clearly defined.”
That is wrong. The natural born citizen clause belongs to the branch of law known as Natural Law, which is the opposite of positive law or statutory law. Terms of natural law are defined in the law of nations and in case law from the decisions by juries and jurists, because natural law and its natural born citizen clause are not positive law established by legislation.