The problem of forbidding re-election
Commentary
Although the Committee of the Whole had agreed to a proposal to limit the executive magistrate to one term only, so as to secure his independence from the legislature (and thereby implementing a well-understood principle of 'rotation in office'), such a measure could be read as giving the holder of the office too little incentive for best behaviour. These two ideas were simply in tension with one another, and here the Convention reversed its previous position, fearing a magistrate unconcerned about re-election more than one too eager for it.
Motion to strike out ineligibility clause. was adopted
on 17 July 1787
Approved for publication
None
The problem of forbidding re-election by Dr Nicholas Cole (npcole)
The Creation of the Electoral College
Cite as: Dr Nicholas Cole, ‘The problem of forbidding re-election’ in N. P. Cole, Grace Mallon and Kat Howarth, The Creation of the Electoral College, Quill Project at Pembroke College (Oxford, 2016), item 70.