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An element of chance

The Creation of the Electoral College

by Dr Nicholas Cole (npcole)

Cite as: Dr Nicholas Cole, ‘An element of chance’ in N. P. Cole, Grace Mallon and Kat Howarth, The Creation of the Electoral College, Quill Project at Pembroke College (Oxford, 2016), item 75.

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An element of chance

Commentary

Wilson's proposal here introduced an element of chance to the selection of the chief magistrate, amid what appear to have become increasingly difficult disputes over almost every aspect of the election which had been agreed to this point. Aside from a classically-inspired use of the lot, this proposal represented an attempt to return to the idea of selection by the national legislature, and it is difficult to see why Wilson thought this proposal had a greater chance of success or was superior to proposals that simply allowed the national legislature to make the choice of executive magistrate.

Associated event

The Virginia Plan as amended in Committee [Resolutions] - Ninth Resolution (Working Version): Wilson's Motion was proposed on 24 July 1787

Approved for publication

None