Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, argues that the United States needs a strong and energetic executive branch to effectively govern the country. Hamilton specifically supports having one president rather than multiple executives.
Energetic Executive
The president needs enough power to act quickly and effectively, which is necessary for:
- Enforcing laws
- Responding to emergencies
- Protecting national security
- Managing foreign affairs
Single Executive
Hamilton argues that executive power should be held by one President rather than multiple people. So that they can create:
- Unity
- Speed
- Decisiveness
- Accountability
Accountability
Having one President makes it easier for citizens to determine who is responsible for executive decisions. If a president performs poorly, voters know who to hold accountable.
Energy vs. Abuse of Power
Hamilton recognizes that a strong executive could become dangerous. However, he also argues the Constitution provides safeguards through:
- Elections
- Impeachment
- Congressional checks
- Separation of powers