Final answer:
Alexander Hamilton emphasized the need for a chief executive to have traits such as accountability, diligence, and speed, advocating for a strong, effective single leader who could be easily controlled and held accountable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics or traits that Alexander Hamilton said are essential to a good chief executive include accountability, diligence, and speed. These ideas are gleaned from George Washington's approach as the first president of the United States, who aspired to be an energetic leader and sought to lay the foundation for a strong executive branch.
Additionally, Hamilton, in Federalist No. 70, argued for a single, vigorous executive, suggesting that it was easier to control and hold accountable one strong leader than a group. This focus on an energetic and effective leader is also wise politically, as it encourages prompt decision-making and execution while discouraging tyrannical behavior due to the system of checks and balances.