In 1787, delegates from the thirteen United States of America meet in Philadelphia to hammer out reforms to the country's governing charter, the Articles of Confederation.

The convention quickly decides that the Articles cannot, in fact, be reformed, and begin work on an entirely new constitution. They conduct their debates in absolute secrecy, fearing the reaction if the public learns prematurely of how they have departed from the mission for which they were appointed.

One of the most contentious issues they consider is the role of the President. Under the Articles, the presidency is a minor office, first among equals in Congress, in which no person can serve more than one year in three. Under the influence of Alexander Hamilton, the presidency is greatly strengthened, becoming the chief officer of an entire separate executive branch of the government, among the powers of which is appointment of federal judges. There is fierce debate over the length of time a president should remain in office, though there is general agreement that the one-year-in-three rule in the Articles is far too restrictive.

One early proposal is for a lifetime presidency, whose occupant will be chosen by Congress. It is highly controversial; some delegates warn that it would establish an American monarchy. Proponents counter that Congress will retain primacy through its power to appoint the chief executive, especially since the legislative branch is also to have the power of the purse, enabling it to rein in the executive by controlling that branch's funding. Alternatives are suggested, including a single six-year term and a four-year term with the opportunity for reelection.