ABSTRACT
James Madison came to the Constitutional Convention with a clear understanding of the qualities to be desired in the executive of a republican government, but uncertain as to how those qualities could best be achieved through a constitutional framework. He saw in the creation of the presidency an opportunity to provide a partial solution to problems inherent in republican government. Madison's initial thoughts on the executive occur in the context of his observations of republican legislatures. The failures of legislatures appeared to have a partial corrective in a strengthened separation of powers. The doctrine of separation of powers requires that the president be empowered by a constitutional grant. In determining the content of that grant, the powers and duties attached to the office had to be justified as properly placed in executive hands and as appropriate to a republican executive. Madison's situation resulted in part from the unexpected development of the relationship between party and presidency.
