The third fundamental debate in the convention concerned the creation of an executive branch of government. James Wilson, a Pennsylvania delegate, proposed to establish one national executive; in other words, he was suggesting that the new government have a president. Many delegates feared that such a system would inevitably devolve into a monarchy. The president, once in power, could use his powers to maintain his position and amass greater authority for himself at the expense of the other branches of government and the states. Despite these concerns, however, on June 4, by a vote of seven to three, the convention accepted Wilson's proposal, thereby creating the position of the American president.

How the president was to be selected also caused great consternation at the convention. In the end, a compromise would have to be reached in this area as well. Throughout the convention, the delegates returned to this...