Riley von Borstel

The founders of America had originally intended the position to be modest in terms of power, but over the course of the past two centuries the position has expanded into something far more powerful than the framers of our country ever intended. Although it was unclear what exactly the American executive would do, the founders determined that it was important to have a leader and a face of the new country. They placed their utmost faith in George Washington to set a precedent for successors to follow. They didn’t want a prime minister, as that would be too close to the British government that they had just separated themselves from. I believe that the reasons we have a president in the United States is to have a face for the country, as well as someone to guarantee progress and legitimacy.

I think that America’s framers came to the decision that they needed an executive–or president–because they designed much of this country based on what they already knew. The colonists rebelled against England not because they were dissatisfied with the structure of government, but because they felt those in these positions of power were oppressive (or neglectful, according to the text). As a result, they combined aspects of English government with other political philosophies, such as those practiced in ancient Rome, in order to construct a government that was innovative, yet not so revolutionary that it had a chance of being unsuccessful. Even though the founders took preexisting political structures into consideration when designing the new federal government, it had trouble gaining traction and lacked legitimacy, as it had no actual power.

I also believe that America has a president due to the philosophy of liberalism. Liberalism, a dogma that gained popularity during the Enlightenment, is based on the same ideas the United States is: consent to be governed, individuality and rights, fair treatment of citizens, and limited government. For centuries, this ideology has withheld and has been the backbone of modern democracy. Just like other nations with legitimate governments worldwide, America needed an individual to represent them in instances of foreign affairs and diplomacy. This was a significant issue that arose from the Confederation government. Not only did this individual need to be able to communicate effectively with foreign leaders and citizens of their country, but they also need to represent the ideal American and what America stands for–liberal democracy.

The executive is vital in order to maintain progress and legitimacy, as well as bring different people together, so it’s unsurprising that the position was created. I recall a time when one of my professors said that it’s impossible for a group of people with equal power to make any progress, as there are too many different perspectives and opinions. As a result, there must be a person in charge, as well as a hierarchy beneath them. This philosophy, combined with a need for a face of the country, are the reasons why I believe we have a United States President.