Today the electoral college system was introduced. How the heck did the Committee of Eleven come up with this convoluted method to elect a President? It was almost by process of elimination. The convention had previously considered and rejected Executive appointment/election by Congress, State Governors and the people. Corruption and backroom deal making were feared in the first two methods. Also, the concept of separation of powers was fast developing and a President could hardly be independent if he was beholding to Congress for his job. As for the third, there was no telling the sort of character the people would install. No, our Framers would limit direct democracy to the House of Reps. Yet in the forefront of their minds they had to come up with a system that could pass inspection and be ratified by State conventions of the people. What better way to help placate the people’s fears than to assign to their States the task of electing the President?
The decision then on how to elect Presidential electors was up to State legislatures. More democratic leaning New England States could introduce popular elector elections if they wished, while aristocratic Southern States could and did have their legislatures determine who would elect the President.
Oh, and the simple commerce clause passed today without discussion.
Thanks Jacquerie. Commerce clause, electoral college, natural born citizen, etc. Very interesting.