Before the formation of modern political parties, it was believed that candidates would fail to secure a majority of electors in the electoral college. To resolve this problem was an important issue. The election of the president had been proposed as a good alternative, however it was also seen as a disadvantage over the states. Therefore Convention agreed that if no candidate had an electoral majority, the house would elect the president.
John Rutledge, a judge and former governor of North Carolina, insisted on cutting the unlimited powers of legislature. He thought that it would give the government enormous power over the states. Edmund Randolph, an American attorney outlined 18 specific "enumerated" powers which limited Congress' authority to imposing taxes, making treaties, going to war, and establishing post offices
