George Washington
Definition
George Washington was the first President of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the Founding Fathers. He played a key role in drafting the Constitution and is known for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War.
Analogy
Think of George Washington as your school's principal. Just like how your principal sets the tone for behavior, expectations, and overall culture at your school, Washington set many precedents for how future presidents should behave and govern.
Related terms
Presidential Precedent: This refers to actions or decisions made by a president that set an example or guide for future presidents. For instance, Washington served only two terms which became a precedent until Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.
Founding Fathers: These were political leaders who participated in the American Revolution by signing the Declaration of Independence, fighting in the Revolutionary War, or helping to write the U.S. Constitution.
Constitutional Convention: This was a meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates from twelve states gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation but ended up drafting a new constitution - The U.S Constitution.
"George Washington" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- What if George Washington had opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
- What explains why the State of Union address has continued as a practice by U.S Presidents since George Washington?
Resources
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