At the Constitutional Convention
copyright © 2025 by Robert L. Blau

"So, I think we can all agree that (1) a slave is 60% of a person and (2) 'the People' can't be trusted to elect the right candidates.  So ... 3/5 Compromise and the silly Electoral College thing."

"Hear, hear!"

"On to separation of powers.   What say you, Mr. Madison?"

"Chairman Washington, I say we need three co-equal branches:  Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.  The Legisature will make the laws, the Executive will execute them, and the Judiciary will  interpret them."

"Whom are you saying the Executive will execute?"

"What, not whom, sir.  The laws, of course."

"Hmm. Still, something to keep in mind for the future ..."

"No more kings, of course, Mr. Chairman."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Madison.  Still, there's something missing in the structure.  A Constitution to be the blueprint of government, yes, and three co-equal branches of government to execute it. What are we missing?  Yes, Mr. Franklin?"

"I have it, sir!  The Executive Order!  If the Executive doesn't like something ... anything ... the Constitution, say ... He just issues an Executive Order to fix it!"

"Hurrah!  Gentlemen, I think we have it!"