The Presidential Life of George Washington

President George Washington was very shy at social events, but he took his job as a president very seriously. Learn more about how he became the father of the country and a big example for many.

The Presidential Life of George Washington The historians agree that Washington’s time in office set the nation on a path that was endured now for over two hundred years longer than any other republic in history. He established examples that would last for generations and did more to make the structure of the presidential office than anyone could have ever expected or predicted. As one scholar has said, “He invented tradition as he went along.” His actions more are than those of any other founding father became a part of the unwritten constitution. In February 1789, George was sworn in as the President of the newly formed United States of America. The American Colonies had won there independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. People thought of George as a hero in the war. It quickly became clear that he was first choice for President. Thomas Jefferson once said, “Washington was in every sense of the word a wise, a good and a great man.” He had the duty of launching the new United States Government. A great experiment in democracy because no one had ever done it before. It was an enormous task because America had to prove a lot before they could win the respect of nations such as Great Britain, France and Spain. America chose Washington as their ideal leader and he set the example for all presidents to come. George Washington was well aware of his responsibility. When he spoke about it, he said, “I walk on a untrodden ground.” He took his job very seriously and wanted to make himself useful to others. He always followed through. George was very modest and shy. When faced with receptions and parties that required him to be the center of attention, he would try to make himself appear as casual as possible. When the House of Representative start records related to the negotiation surrounding the Jay Treaty of 1795, Washington refused to deliver all the documents. In doing so, he set the idea of executive privilege into play. In leading federal troops against the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington presented a clear show of federal authority. Established the principle that federal law is a supreme law of the land and demonstrated that the Federal Government is empowered to levy and collect taxes. Although he sponsored and supported legislative proposals submitted to Congress to take action, he’d carefully avoided trying to dictate or unduly influence the judicial and legislative branches of the government in not vetoing or rejecting bills with which he disagreed unless they were constitutional questions. He set a president of executive restraint that would be followed by the next five presidents. By keeping Vice President John Adams at arms length, not even inviting him to attend cabinet meeting. Washington set the tradition by which the Vice-president’s role is largely ceremonial. Although Washington hated the idea of political parties, he tolerated descent, vicious attacks on his reputation and name and a divisive press, all at the interest of freedom. There is little reason to suggest that Washington, unlike some many of his successors ever sought to use his office for personal game. Neither did he shelter his friends for the sake of their friendships when conflicts of interest arose. George became something of a legend in his lifetime. He had fought many enduring battles and helped form a nation with strength and courage. His characteristics became what every leader needed to posses. He became the father of his country. Soon after his time, his images began to appear on everything, from porcelain, to banknotes, to the kitchen sink; just kidding. After his presidency ended, George and his family returned to Mt. Vernon and expanded the farm enormously. Martha told a friend that the general and I feel like children just released from school. George died on December 14, 1799 at the age of 67, from a throat infection. Even at his death, he was dignified in his last words, “It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go.”