In February 1787, the Confederation Congress authorized a convention of state delegations “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation…” When delegates gathered in Philadelphia several months later, few anticipated that the meeting would last 88 days. As delegates discussed the post-war challenges facing the young nation, it quickly became apparent that simply revising the Articles of Confederation would not adequately address these challenges. Over the course of the proceedings, 55 delegates from twelve states (all except Rhode Island) contended with questions about the structure and authority of the national government while balancing their respective state interests. Through a series of debates that revealed important agreements and disagreements, and produced a handful of crucial compromises, the Convention ultimately created an unprecedented framework for “republican” government. The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787. The idea of an executive was presented as part of the Virginia Plan on May 29, 1787. While delegates agreed on creating the office, they differed on nearly every other aspect: the method of election, term length, and eligibility for re-election. Deliberations over the executive recurred throughout the Convention but produced no decisive outcomes. The Committee of Detail Report, presented on August 6, synthesized these debates. As the Convention neared its end, the Brearly Committee convened to resolve outstanding issues, namely those regarding the executive. On September 4, the Committee recommended the Electoral College as the method of election, helping to overcome a long-standing debate and reflecting the framers’ intent to balance national and federal principles in the new government. Over the following days, delegates finalized executive term length, eligibility for re-election, and executive powers. On September 11^th, delegates met briefly and adjourned pending the Committee of Style Report. -Michelle Adams Alderfer