... runs for President, who can be elected President, and how he or she is actually elected President. Each innovation has distinct associated advantages and disadvantages and not all can be deemed beneficial to the democratic ideal. However, all three are critical changes, and crucial in the understanding of how the United States selects its President. George Washington served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, was instrumental in assembling the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787, and was elected unanimously by the Electoral College as the country's first President. His presence at the convention, and the understanding among the delegates that Washington would be the first to serve in an executive position, helped calm those fearful of anointing a President. Ironically, the respected Washington gave more power to the executive branch than initially thought, for delegates did not fear power in his hands. Further, he had no children, quelling the ...

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