You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
The twist is that, thanks to a different selection of delegates to the Constitutional Convention, a constitution is ratified that is much closer to the Virginia Plan.
Under this constitution, the US Congress (at least initially*) as a whole elects the President, who serves as Head of State and Head of Government for a four year term, with no initial restrictions on renewal.
The lower house is elected proportional to population, and the upper house is elected by state legislatures, with an equal number per state. Other features of the Virginia plan, such as the upper house holding a veto over state legislatures, and the council of revision, are retained.
*I say initially because most parliamentary governments have seen a shift of powers to the lower, democratic house. 1789-1792: John Adams (Federalist)