A highly detailed examination of the forces contributing to the creation of the Presidency at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The author focuses on the manner in which experienced American politicians perceptively reevaluated existing political philosophy and created a strong Presidency as a major force in a system of checks and balances. Includes a unique presentation of the convention debates in a topical form as twelve separate debates, and evaluates the ratification of the Constitution with specific reference to the Federalist and Antifederalist arguments on the Presidency. Concludes with the election and inauguration of George Washington as the first President. An excellent book for courses on the Presidency, American Government, and National Politics.