#COMMANDER IN CHIEF DEFINITION AP GOV SERIES#

Though this plan was rejected, James Wilson's proposal for a unitary executive, which Hamilton supported, was upheld with a vote of seven to three.

ĭuring the Constitutional Convention in May 1787, Hamilton proposed a plan of government, dubbed the 'British Plan,' featuring a powerful unitary executive serving for life, or during good behavior. 70, mirrors Montesquieu's preference for 'vigor' in the executive. Hamilton's call for energy in the executive, as described in Federalist No. Montesquieu, Machiavelli, and Aristotle, all of whom argued for strength in the executive, also served as inspiration for the arguments in Federalist No. Hamilton was also inspired by William Blackstone and John Locke, who favored an executive who would act on his own prerogative while maintaining respect for constitutional obligations. 70, Hamilton cites De Lolme to support his argument that a unitary executive will have the greatest accountability to the people. One of the major influences on his thinking was political theorist, Jean-Louis de Lolme who praised the English monarchy for being 'sufficiently independent and sufficiently controlled.' In Federalist No. Īlexander Hamilton greatly admired the British monarchy, and sought to create a similarly strong unitary executive in the United States. Alexander Hamilton, along with many other Framers, believed the solution to this and problems of federal law enforcement could be solved with a strong general government. By 1779, both Congress and the states had accumulated considerable debt from the Revolutionary War, but the Articles of Confederation denied Congress the powers of taxation and regulation of foreign and interstate commerce. 70 as saying, 'the executive power is more easily confined when it is ONE'.īefore ratifying the Constitution in 1787, the thirteen states were bound by the Articles of Confederation, which authorized the Congress of the Confederation to conduct foreign diplomacy and granted sovereignty to the states. Historical and philosophical influences Jean-Louis De Lolme, quoted in Federalist No. Energy arises from the proceedings of a single person, characterized by, 'decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch,' while safety arises from the unitary executive's unconcealed accountability to the people. Hamilton argues that unity in the executive branch is a main ingredient for both energy and safety.

#COMMANDER IN CHIEF DEFINITION AP GOV SERIES#

It was originally published on March 15, 1788, in The New York Packet under the pseudonym Publius as part of The Federalist Papers and as the fourth in Hamilton's series of eleven essays discussing executive power. 70, titled ' The Executive Department Further Considered', is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a single, robust executive provided for in the United States Constitution. Congress may override the president’s veto with a two-thirds vote.Federalist No. The president’s constitutional right to reject a law passed by Congress. The president’s annual message to a joint session of Congress, which includes recommended legislation and evaluations of the nation’s top priorities and economic health. The Supreme Court can rule executive orders unconstitutional.Īn indirect veto, which the president can use by neither signing or vetoing a bill passed by Congress fewer than 10 days before it adjourns.Ī presidential statement upon signing a bill into law, which explains how a president’s administration intends to interpret the law. A group of presidential advisers, including the heads of the executive departments, the attorney general, and other officials chosen by the president.Īn international agreement between the president and another country, which does not require the consent of the Senate.Ī presidential order to the executive branch that carries the force of law.

Commander in chief definition ap gov