The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

by United States. Constitutional Convention; James Madison

On the question Shall the Executive continue for 7 years? It passed in the negative

Mas. div^d. Con^t ay. [3] N. J. no. P^a no. Del. no. M^d no. V^a no. N. C. div^d. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.

[ [3] In the printed Journal Con^t, no: N. Jersey ay.–Madison's Note.

M^r King was afraid we sh^d shorten the term too much.

M^r Gov^r Morris was for a short term, in order to avoid impeach^ts which w^d be otherwise necessary.

M^r Butler was ag^st the frequency of the elections. Geo. & S. C. were too distant to send electors often.

M^r Elseworth was for 6 years. If the elections be too frequent, the Executive will not be firm eno. There must be duties which will make him unpopular for the moment. There will be outs as well as ins. His administration therefore will be attacked and misrepresented.

M^r Williamson was for 6 years. The expence will be considerable & ought not to be unnecessarily repeated. If the Elections are too frequent, the best men will not undertake the service and those of an inferior character will be liable to be corrupted.

On the question for 6 years?

Mas. ay. Con^t ay. N. J. ay. P^a ay. Del. no. M^d ay. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.