On the afternoon of April 30, 1789, George Washington stepped out onto the

balcony of Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan to take the oath as the first President of
the United States. Washington was well aware that he had been given the power to
shape the American presidency. He clearly understood that he needed to bring the
executive branch to life in the republic he helped to found with no historic models to
follow. Washington believed that the precedents he set must make the presidency
powerful enough to function effectively in the national government, but at the same
time these practices could not show any tendency toward monarchy or dictatorship.
As our nations first leader, George Washington played a political, economic, and
social role in strengthening the new republic.
Washington affected the office of the presidency politically by appointing a
cabinet and proposing major legislation to Congress. He recognized the need for
advisors and appointed Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Thomas
Jefferson Secretary of State, and Henry Knox Secretary of War. Also, after serving 8
long years as president, he decided to step down from office. In refusing to take a
third term, he set the two term limit precedent. This was an act to show that the
United States was strictly a democracy. The American people would not have to fear
tyrannical rule again. Except for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this rule was followed
throughout American history. It later became the twenty-second amendment.
Washington also proposed the idea of neutrality because he felt that the nation was
too weak to involve itself in foreign affairs.
In economic terms, Washington greatly affected the unravel of the new
republic. Using Alexander Hamiltons brilliant economic plan in an effort to solidify the
national debt and appear more united, Washington took on the debt of all the
colonies. The federal government would pay the debt from the war, not the original
colonies. The debt would be tackled through taxes. In addition, Hamilton also wanted
to build and create a national bank with the power to issue paper money, handle tax
receipts, and pay debts. To raise money for the new government, Hamilton also
reissued and sold bonds previously sold by the Continental Congress. This shows that
it was an effort to organize the nations outstanding debt and build trust in the new
nation with the wealthy investors that now owned the bonds.
Washington was also able to set social precedents while he was in office.
Washington wanted a formal presidency and thus set a precedent by establishing
Presidential protocol. He held regular morning receptions as well as formal evening
dances and dinners. He had servants in uniforms and always dressed properly. Critics
thought that these occasions seemed to be cold but George felt that they were
necessary for the dignity of the office. Washington realized that a formal presidency
lent a degree of leadership the nation needed. At the same time he defined practices
that emphasized the republican character of the position. When politicians suggested
titles for the nation's chief executive ranging from "His Excellency" to "His Highness,
the Protector of Our Liberties," Washington recommended the more democratic "Mr.
President."
George Washington dedicated himself to being a leader for the whole country,
not for just one region, one economic class, or one political group. Washington was
confident, yet humble. His humility was reflected in the way he gave people a voice

by seeking and considering their opinions and ideas. Like all effective leaders, he
communicated an inspiring vision and lived it by valuing his people and giving them a
voice. Washington made a series of fundamental choices about the Presidency that
govern its basic operations today. He could have read the Constitution to make him
something of a prime minister, but he chose instead an energetic, independent
executive. In terms of economic, social, and political terms, George Washington was
an effectual leader.