The wrongdoings and abuse of powers by early royal governors prompted the writers of the constitution to abolish the exclusive rights of the former in the newer executives and to administer a separation of powers. However, wartime governance proved a supreme legislature ineffective and an executive too weak; a problem which William Livingston and James Madison recognized. Early restoration of executive power was limitedand separation of powers functioned more as to limit the executive than providing balance. One notable person who objected the construction of the early government was John Jay who felt that executive and judicial powers vested in one was unwise and should be separated. He, along with Morris, Hamilton, Wilson, and Gouverneur were supporters of an “energetic executive”. He was certain that the executive should be able to defend themselves against legislature.
Roger Sherman suggestion that “no constitutional provision need be made for the executive because it was nothing more than an institution for carrying the will of the legislature into effect”
Three distinct phases in evolution of presidency- first was to vest executive power in a single person who would in turn wield a limited veto over legislation. Second phase framers struggled to reconcile general principle of an independent executive with different options for rules of election and tenure.
In the case of delegating the length of term of the executive, the framers were hesitant. They knew it couldn’t be too short if the executive wanted to avoid an encroachment by the legislation, but it couldn’t be too long otherwise he may resemble the crown which they were eager to avoid again.
They faced many problems in defining the executive such as reeligibility, long terms reminiscent of a monarchy. They proposed the president to convey recommendations to congress, be sure that laws were faithfully executed, and be commander in chief. The deliberations on September 4 proposed that the power of making treaties and nominating ambassadors , supreme court judges, was to be given to the president. They also gave the power of presidential impeachment to the House and trial to the Senate. Debate between delegates seems to offer reason that the conduct of foreign relation as an executive power stemmed from the inadequacies