Unanimously elected twice, President Washington established many crucial presidential precedents.
George Washington helped shape the office's future role and powers, as well as set both formal and informal precedents for future presidents. Washington believed that it was necessary to strike a delicate balance between making the presidency powerful enough to function effectively in a national government, while also avoiding any image of establishing a monarchy or dictatorship. In the process, President Washington significantly influenced the path for the presidency moving forward, setting standards in all aspects, including political power, military practice, and economic policy.
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Everyone expected George Washington to win the first election in 1789. But an equally important question remained unanswered: would he accept the job? Learn MoreWashington's Election
Just as her husband realized that his every action might set a precedent for future presidents, so was Martha Washington aware that
her behavior as first lady would become the template for the wives of future chief executives. Learn MoreThe First First Lady
After the American victory in the Revolution, George Washington repeatedly voiced opposition
to slavery in personal correspondence. He privately noted his support for a gradual, legislative end to slavery, but as a public figure, he did not make abolition a cause. Learn MoreSlavery and Washington’s Presidency
George Washington’s cabinet included four original members: Secretary of State Thomas
Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph. Learn MoreThe First Cabinet
As the first president, and since there were no sitting justices at the beginning of his term, George Washington had the unique opportunity to fill the entire body of United States federal judges with his selections-- including the Supreme Court. Learn MoreThe First Supreme Court
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered to Congress the first State of the Union address in American history. This precedent setting address presented defense, foreign policy, economic, education, and immigration related topics. Learn MoreState of the Union Address
The 1790 census was the first federally sponsored count of the American people and one of the most significant undertakings of Washington's first term. Learn MoreFirst US Census
In addition to his appearance in public settings, Washington paid close attention to the manner of domestic
entertaining that he felt best defined the new American presidency. Learn MorePresidential Entertaining
Today we judge our modern Presidents by how much they
achieved in their first 100 days. See how Washington stacked up to the others. First 100 DaysFirst 100 Days