George Washington

Definition

George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797, and is often referred to as the 'Father of His Country.' He played a crucial role in the founding of the nation, leading the Continental Army to victory during the American Revolutionary War and presiding over the Constitutional Convention, which produced the Constitution. His leadership established important precedents for the presidency and governance in the new nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. George Washington was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States in 1789 and is the only president to have received 100% of the electoral votes.
2. During his presidency, he established key practices such as forming a Cabinet and delivering an inaugural address.
3. Washington chose to step down after two terms in office, setting a precedent for future presidents to limit their time in office.
4. He emphasized the importance of national unity and warned against political parties in his farewell address.
5. Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War solidified his reputation as a national hero and earned him immense respect across the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did George Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War influence his role at the Constitutional Convention?
  • George Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War established him as a figure of immense respect and trust among the colonies. This reputation led him to be selected as president of the Constitutional Convention, where he provided a stabilizing presence amid debates about creating a new government. His experiences as a military leader helped shape his understanding of governance and unity, which were crucial in drafting a Constitution that balanced power and authority.
• In what ways did George Washington's presidency establish important precedents for future presidents?
  • George Washington's presidency set numerous important precedents that shaped how future presidents would operate. He established the practice of forming a Cabinet to assist him in decision-making and laid down protocols for presidential communication with Congress. Additionally, his decision to step down after two terms established a norm against lifelong presidencies, which was later codified into the 22nd Amendment. These actions set standards for executive behavior and governance that are still relevant today.
• Evaluate how George Washington’s concerns about political parties in his farewell address reflect his vision for the future of the United States.
  • In his farewell address, George Washington warned against the divisive nature of political parties, expressing concerns that they could lead to factionalism and undermine national unity. He believed that political parties could create divisions that distracted from common goals and interests of the nation. This vision underscored his desire for a united country that prioritized collective identity over partisan conflict. Washington’s insights continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about bipartisanship and governance in America.

Related terms

Continental Army: The military force established by the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolutionary War, which George Washington commanded as General.

Constitutional Convention: The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates, including Washington, drafted the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Presidential Precedents: The traditions and examples set by George Washington during his presidency that shaped how future presidents would perform their duties.