Dr. Samuel B. Hoff is a George Washington Distinguished Professor Emeritus of history and political science at Delaware State University. He has taught and published extensively on the American presidency.
As the first president under the nascent Constitution, George Washington’s tenure could have ended several ways: by early resignation; through impeachment and removal; or by an untimely death while in office. On the 291st anniversary of his birth, it is appropriate to remind ourselves how Washington was able to serve two terms with distinction and retire on his own terms.
Washington’s selection as the unanimous first choice of presidential electors in 1788 owed much to his military career and heroism in leading America’s successful revolution against Britain. But to only consider that background ignores Washington’s training as a surveyor, his business acumen and his political role in helping to replace the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution.
Once in office, George Washington demonstrated the leadership which gave most confidence in the nation’s future.
First, he assembled an all-star team of talent, highlighted by Alexander Hamilton as treasury secretary and Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state. Though it took several years and tries, Washington formulated the cabinet as an important part of the executive branch. Washington — still the only president to serve in all three branches of government — nominated a record 10 appointments to the Supreme Court during his eight years in office.
Clearly, one of the most valuable leadership lessons which George Washington bequeathed to his successors is the ability to adapt to circumstances while not losing sight of goals. The Washington administration not only had to convince a few states to join the Union after the Constitution went into effect but likewise oversaw the addition of new states. Too, they dealt with the movement to add the Bill of Rights as amendments to the Constitution. Further, having inherited the collective debt rung up by the states during the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had to invoke taxes and tariffs to rescue the economy. Additionally, the Washington administration had to relocate from New York to Philadelphia as the place of the national capital changed. Finally, President Washington and his team had to steer America through the treacherous international waters that featured perpetual conflict between France and Britain.
One underappreciated fact about President Washington’s tenure is the political atmosphere of the 1790s, which saw the development of political parties amid a plethora of issues which divided elected officials and citizens alike. Washington was cognizant of the need to unify the country and did so in several ways, including touring states in the first two years of his administration, issuing proclamations to celebrate national holidays such as Thanksgiving and by advocating for a national military academy.
Effective leadership likewise means efficient utilization of authority. Having assisted in the creation of the presidential post, Washington knew the parameters of the office and the importance of setting precedent. Just as he exercised enumerated constitutional powers like the veto, recess appointments and the treaty authority, so he established the executive order device and executive privilege procedure.
That Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms was his decision, not one forced by political circumstances or strictures of law. He was both popular and successful until he left office in March 1797.
In the age of wokewashing, no one should forget that George Washington remains not only America’s first president under the Constitution but still its best.
