Jonah Patel
George Washington was the unanimous choice for president in the 1788–89 United States presidential election, the first national presidential election in American history. Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention, which debated, drafted, and ultimately passed the new Constitution, was instrumental in his election. Washington's commanding presence and leadership helped shape the future role and powers of the presidency. While he did not select a running mate, John Adams became the first vice president.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of election | December 15, 1788 to January 7, 1789 |
| George Washington's role | President of the Philadelphia convention |
| Washington's vote | N/A |
| Washington's impact on the convention | Helped forge consensus, provided a deciding vote on proposals, and created an atmosphere that allowed convention members to reach the compromises necessary to create a new government |
| Outcome | Washington was unanimously elected president, receiving 69 out of 72 electoral votes |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention
George Washington played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, the Federal Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia.
In 1787, Washington was persuaded by contemporaries such as James Madison and General Henry Knox to attend the Convention. They believed that Washington, a practical military leader, needed to play a central role due to the great trust and respect he had accumulated during the war. Washington was not interested in being a part of politics, but it was clear that no one else could lead the convention.
On May 14, 1787, the delegates unanimously elected Washington to be the convention president. This was one of the few matters they agreed on, as they were a group of passionate federalists and anti-federalists. In presiding over the Constitutional Convention, Washington worked to forge consensus, demanding complete secrecy as the delegates took on the controversial task of not just revising the Articles of Confederation but creating a new government.
Washington's commanding presence played an important role in achieving the final agreement on the Constitution. James Monroe summarised this role best when, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he said that “Be assured, [Washington’s] influence carried the government.”. Benjamin Franklin, who was also in attendance, is famously quoted as saying, "I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun" about the future of the United States.
After the Convention, Washington sent copies of the document to Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as to the three most recent governors of Virginia, to gain their support. Washington's strong support convinced many to vote in favor of ratification. By June of 1789, the nine out of thirteen states needed for ratification voted to ratify the Constitution. Every state ratified the Constitution by May 29, 1790.
Washington was then elected as the first president of the United States under the new Constitution.
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Washington's endorsement of the Constitution
George Washington's endorsement of the Constitution was a significant moment in American history. As a respected figure who had served as the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Washington's support for the Constitution carried significant weight. His role as president of the Constitutional Convention, which began in May 1787, was instrumental in shaping the final document.
Washington's influence during the Constitutional Convention cannot be overstated. He worked to forge consensus among the delegates, who held passionate and differing views on federalism. Washington himself believed in a strong central government and a single executive leader, but he refrained from imposing his beliefs on others. Instead, he maintained a relatively quiet presence, ensuring order and providing a deciding vote when needed. His commanding presence and persistence helped create an atmosphere conducive to compromise, allowing convention members to reach the necessary agreements.
The Constitutional Convention lasted for four months, with intense debates taking place among the delegates. Washington's presence gave the gathering an air of importance and legitimacy. On September 17, 1787, the final Constitution was agreed upon. Washington's signature on the document served as a deciding endorsement for some who had previously opposed federalization.
Following the Constitutional Convention, Washington's unanimous election as the first president of the United States further demonstrated his endorsement of and commitment to the Constitution. He took the presidential oath of office on April 30, 1789, in New York City, the first capital of the United States. Washington's ascent to the presidency was seen as a natural progression, as many delegates had framed the role of the executive branch around his leadership. Thus, Washington's endorsement of the Constitution was not only through his actions during the Constitutional Convention but also through his subsequent embodiment of the nation's highest office.
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The 1788-89 US presidential election
The 1788–89 US presidential election was the first national presidential election in American history. It was held between December 15, 1788, and January 7, 1789, under the new Constitution ratified in 1788. The outgoing Congress of the Confederation had announced the election procedure on September 13, 1788, stipulating that all electors must be chosen on the first Wednesday in January (January 7, 1789). The electors then had to assemble to cast their votes for president and vice president on the first Wednesday in February (February 4, 1789).
At the time, there were no political parties or campaigns as we know them today. The only real issue was whether candidates were Federalists, meaning they supported the Constitution, or anti-Federalists, who opposed ratification or demanded amendments. George Washington, the former Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, was enormously popular and was elected unanimously. Washington did not select a running mate as the concept was non-existent at the time.
The election of 1788–89 was the only US presidential election that spanned two calendar years without a contingent election. The contest for the vice presidency was much more vigorous than the presidential election, with no one daring to run against Washington. John Adams, who had recently served as the first US ambassador to Great Britain, won 34 electoral votes and became the first vice president of the United States. His election provided a regional balance between the South and the North.
On April 30, 1789, Washington took the presidential oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City, the first capital of the United States. He swore his oath on a Bible, borrowed from a local Masonic lodge, and subsequently known as the "George Washington Inaugural Bible."
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The ratification of the Constitution in 1788
Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention, which began in May 1787, was instrumental in forging consensus among the delegates. He presided over the convention, demanding secrecy as they embarked on the controversial task of revising the Articles of Confederation. Washington's commanding presence and belief in a strong central government with a single executive leader helped shape the outcome of the convention.
The election process in 1788-89 was unique due to the absence of formal political parties. The division fell between Federalists, who enthusiastically endorsed the Constitution, and Anti-Federalists, who opposed or conditionally supported ratification. Despite this, Washington's popularity as the former Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War ensured his unanimous election.
The Electoral College, comprising ten states, convened on February 4, 1789, to cast their votes. Each elector possessed two votes, and the candidates with the majority and second-most votes became president and vice president, respectively. Washington received 69 out of 72 electoral votes, with John Adams receiving 34 votes and becoming the first vice president.
On April 30, 1789, Washington took the presidential oath of office in New York City, marking the official start of his presidency and the ratification of the Constitution.
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Washington's election as the first US president
George Washington's election as the first US president was a significant event in American history. It marked the first national presidential election in the country, spanning two calendar years from 1788 to 1789. At this time, there were no formal political parties, but the political landscape was divided between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Federalists strongly endorsed the ratification of the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists were more reluctant or opposed it. Despite Washington's reluctance to leave his retirement at Mount Vernon, his election was considered a foregone conclusion by many of his peers. Alexander Hamilton, for instance, wrote to Washington, urging him to accept the presidency, recognising the impact of his leadership on the respectability of the government.
The election process began with the selection of presidential electors in each state between December 15, 1788, and January 10, 1789. The electors then cast their votes for the president and vice president on February 4, 1789. Ten states participated in the election: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Notably, New York did not choose its electors on time, and North Carolina and Rhode Island had not yet ratified the Constitution, making them ineligible to participate.
Washington's unanimous election as the first president was unsurprising given his stature and popularity. He had distinguished himself as the former Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and his signature on the new Constitution carried weight, influencing those who had opposed federalisation. John Adams, who served as the first US ambassador to Great Britain, became the first vice president, receiving 34 electoral votes. Washington's journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration on April 30, 1789, was a celebratory procession, with people in towns and villages greeting him with banners, speeches, and triumphal arches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, George Washington voted to pass the Constitution. He was also the president of the Constitutional Convention and helped shape the future role and powers of the presidency.
George Washington was the president of the Constitutional Convention, where he worked to forge consensus and demanded complete secrecy as delegates debated and revised the Articles of Confederation. He also provided a deciding vote on various proposals.
The delegates came to an agreement, and on September 17, 1787, the Constitution was born. George Washington's commanding presence and persistence were crucial in achieving this outcome.
George Washington's endorsement of the Constitution carried significant weight due to his reputation and leadership during the Revolutionary War. His signature on the new Constitution served as a deciding factor for some who had previously opposed federalization.
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