The Reelection of the President

Key Insight

Preventing the reelection of a chief executive might seem counter-intuitive, as it could deprive the state of a proven leader's talents, especially in crises. However, allowing reelection introduces significant dangers. Intrigue and corruption, inherent vices of elective governments, spread boundlessly when the incumbent head of state seeks another term, as the government's immense resources become enlisted in the individual's campaign.

In such a scenario, the executive's primary interest shifts from national welfare to securing reelection. Negotiations and laws become campaign tactics, and government posts are used as rewards for loyalty to the leader rather than service to the nation. This observed tendency means the President's thoughts are dominated by reelection, directing his administration's policy and actions toward this end, often allowing his individual interest to supplant the general interest, particularly as the election nears.

The principle of reelection thereby magnifies the corrupting influence of elective government, degrading political morality and substituting shrewdness for patriotism. In America, this directly undermines the framers' intent to establish an executive with sufficient liberty to resist the legislature's encroachments. By granting extensive powers to the President yet making him eligible for reelection, they inadvertently stripped him of the will to fully utilize those powers, rendering his talents almost useless. An ineligible President would remain accountable but would not need popular favor to the extent of constantly bending to the majority's will, avoiding daily dangers for the sake of an extraordinary resource.