Who was the first President?

Why This Matters

This question asks who was the first President of the United States. The answer is George Washington. He served as President from 1789 to 1797 and is one of the most important figures in American history.

After the Constitution was ratified in 1788, the new nation needed a leader. George Washington was the obvious choice. He had led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War and had presided over the Constitutional Convention. In 1789, he was unanimously elected as the first President, meaning every single electoral vote went to him. No other President in American history has ever been elected unanimously.

As the first President, Washington had no example to follow. Everything he did set a precedent for future Presidents. He created the Cabinet, a group of advisors that includes the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury. He established the tradition of being called "Mr. President" rather than a royal title. Most importantly, after serving two terms (eight years), he chose not to run again. This tradition of stepping down after two terms lasted until Franklin Roosevelt, and it was later made law by the Twenty-Second Amendment. Washington believed that no one person should hold power for too long. His decision to leave office peacefully is one of the most important moments in American democracy.

Key Facts

• George Washington was the first President of the United States
• He served from 1789 to 1797
• He was unanimously elected, every elector voted for him
• He created the Presidential Cabinet system
• He set the two-term tradition by choosing not to run for a third term

Common Mistakes

• Saying "John Adams", Adams was the second President, not the first
• Saying "Thomas Jefferson", Jefferson was the third President
• Confusing Washington's role as President with his role as military commander, he held both roles at different times

Study Tip

This question and Question 69 have the same answer: George Washington. He is the Father of Our Country and the first President. Whenever you see a question about "the first" or "the father" related to the founding of America, think Washington. One name, two easy answers.