Commentary: Don’t want Biden or Trump to have so much power? Maybe the US needs a poly-presidency
by A.J. Jacobs, Los Angeles Times
Apr 18, 2024
3 minutes
At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson brought up a seemingly un-American idea. He said the executive branch of America’s government should be headed by a single person: a president.
Several constitutional delegates objected. A single leader at the helm? Virginia delegate Edmund Randolph said this was the “fetus of monarchy.” America had just fought a bloody war to free themselves of a king. Why would they want another?
Randolph and his allies believed the executive branch, like the legislative, should spread power among several people. Perhaps a council of three presidents,
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days