Title: The Debate Over the President and the Executive Branch – Center for the Study of the American Constitution – UW–Madison
Headings: The Debate Over the President and the Executive Branch
The Debate Over the President and the Executive Branch
Blended with other Branches
Commander in Chief
Comparison to Monarchy
Election of Executive
General Criticisms of Executive
General Praise of Executive
Impeachment of Executive
Powers of Executive
Term of Executive

Content: 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;