By José Carlos Palma
In 1789, the United States held its first presidential election, and George Washington emerged as the unanimous choice of the Electoral College to become the nation’s first president. This was a remarkable achievement, not only because no other president has been able to match this feat, but also because it reflected the high esteem in which Washington was held by his fellow citizens, and the confidence they had in his leadership abilities.
The Electoral College, which was established by the Constitution as a compromise between those who favored a popular vote for president and those who favored election by Congress, consisted of 69 electors chosen by the states in different ways. Under this system, each state was allotted a certain number of electors based on its population, with each elector having one vote for president and one for vice president.
In the election of 1789, Washington was the obvious choice for president. He was a national hero, having led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War and having presided over the Constitutional Convention, which had drafted the document that established the new government. Washington was widely admired for his integrity, his sense of duty, and his devotion to the cause of American independence.
Despite his popularity, Washington was initially reluctant to accept the presidency. He was 57 years old and had already served his country in a variety of important capacities. He also knew that the new government faced many challenges, both domestic and foreign, and he was concerned about his ability to lead the country effectively.
Nevertheless, Washington was persuaded to accept the presidency, and on April 30, 1789, he was inaugurated in New York City, which was then the nation’s capital. In his inaugural address, Washington pledged to “support the Constitution of the United States,” and to “preserve, protect and defend” the new government. He also spoke of his commitment to unity and his desire to serve the common good.
Washington’s first term as president was marked by a number of important accomplishments. He established many of the key institutions of American government, including the executive departments and the federal court system. He also helped to establish the nation’s financial system, and he oversaw the negotiation of several major treaties, including the Jay Treaty with Great Britain in 1794 and the Treaty of San Lorenzo with Spain in 1795.
In 1792, Washington was again unanimously elected by the Electoral College, receiving all 132 electoral votes cast. This was another remarkable achievement, and it reflected the fact that Washington had been an effective and respected leader during his first term in office.
Washington’s decision to step down after his second term set a precedent that was followed by all of his successors until Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms. Washington’s decision to retire from public life was a testament to his commitment to the principles of republicanism, which held that no one person should hold too much power for too long.
Washington’s legacy as a strong and effective leader has made him one of the most revered figures in American history. His achievements as the first president of the United States set a high standard for future leaders, and his commitment to unity and the common good remains an inspiration to us all.
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* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.