Power, Democracy, and the Founding Debate over Presidential Tenure.

This paper looks at the issue of presidential tenure from the perspective of the founding generation. The main concern is to understand the theoretical underpinnings of the debates over presidential tenure, especially focusing on the concepts of power and democracy. Guided by a conceptual focus on power and democracy, the paper proceeds chronologically. It first looks at the issue of presidential tenure during the colonial period, examining the differing models of royal governors. Next, it analyzes the state constitutions forged in the wake of independence to understand the main views of executive power and tenure. The Articles of Confederation are also addressed in this section. Third, the debates surrounding presidential tenure at the Convention itself are examined. The major views and plans-with regard to length of term and possibility of reeligibility-are analyzed, with an emphasis on the final product, a four year term with unlimited reeligibility. The arguments at the time of ratification, particularly the debates in the writings of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, are also addressed. Finally, a two dimensional theoretical chart is offered to help focus the connections between power, democracy, and executive tenure historically and contemporarily. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]