Eleanor Finch
George Washington's role in the creation of the United States Constitution was indispensable. He was the commander-in-chief of the American Revolutionary Army and the first president of the United States under the Constitution. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, providing guidance to 55 state delegates as they debated the future of the United States. After four months, the delegates agreed on a constitution, which Washington signed. Following this, he returned to his home in Mount Vernon before embarking on a triumphant tour to New York. As the first president, he appointed federal officials, including the first members of the Supreme Court. He also established the State Department, the War Department, and the Treasury Department, appointing their respective heads. Washington's most important contribution to American political development was his decision to not seek reelection after two terms, setting a precedent for future leaders.
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What You'll Learn
George Washington's role in the convention
Washington had no interest in being a part of politics and had planned to retire from public service after the American Revolution. However, it was clear that no one else could lead the convention, and he was unanimously elected as the convention president by the 55 state delegates. During the spring and summer of 1787, he provided guidance and oversaw the intense and fiercely debated discussions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, lending his prestige to the work of the delegates.
Washington's commanding presence and influence were crucial in achieving consensus among the delegates, who held passionate and differing views. He supervised the proceedings, calling on members when they spoke, and his vote was decisive within the Virginia delegation, ultimately allowing Virginia to endorse the Constitution. Washington's support for the Constitution was significant, and he lobbied for its ratification by the states, believing it was the best possible outcome at the time and praising its amendability.
Washington's role in the convention and his subsequent presidency helped transform the ideals of the Revolution into reality, and his commitment to civil liberties, including religious freedom, was notable. His decision to not seek reelection after two terms also allowed for a peaceful transition of power, further strengthening the young nation's political course.
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His support for emancipation
George Washington's stance on emancipation evolved over time, and he is known to have owned slaves from the age of eleven until his death. However, he also recognised the paradox of being a slaveholder who led a war for liberty and helped establish a national government that secured liberty for its citizens.
While Washington never publicly became an active supporter of emancipation laws, he did express support for emancipation in private. In 1785, he told prominent Methodists Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury that he supported emancipation legislation, but he refused to sign their petition to the General Assembly of Virginia, asking for a law for the immediate or gradual emancipation of all slaves. He also declined an invitation from leading French abolitionist Jacques Brissot to form and become president of an abolitionist society in Virginia, stating that he supported such a society but that the time was not right to confront the issue.
Washington's private statements suggest a growing opposition to slavery. He rejected the notion of black inferiority and was considered more humane than other slave owners. In his will, he stipulated that his slaves were to be freed upon his death, and he further specified that those under 25 must be "taught to read & write; and to be brought up to some useful occupation". He also forbade the sale or transportation of any slaves he owned out of the Commonwealth, rejecting the idea of deporting freed slaves to Africa or the West Indies.
Washington's actions as a young man reflected the norms of his time and society, as he bought, sold, and raffled off slaves to recoup loans. However, as he grew older, his views evolved, and he came to see slavery as an impediment to the development of diligence and responsibility among those enslaved. He also recognised the importance of education and the opportunity to work for freed slaves to prosper.
As a leader, Washington played a crucial role in uniting the delegates and the new nation behind the idea of a federal government during the Constitutional Convention. While his specific contributions to the Constitution are not well-documented, his commanding presence and decisive vote within the Virginia delegation were instrumental in achieving consensus and producing one of the world's greatest political documents.
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His return to national political life
George Washington's return to national political life was prompted by the struggle to create a strong national republican government to replace divided state and confederation governments. He worked closely with James Madison to pave the way for the Federal Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he was the presiding officer from May to September 1787, overseeing the drafting of the new constitution.
Washington's commanding presence and leadership were crucial in uniting the delegates and achieving consensus during the intense debates at the convention. He successfully guided the Convention to its historic conclusion, with all remaining states voting for the Constitution, despite objections from some delegates. Washington's vote was particularly decisive in Virginia's endorsement of the Constitution.
Following the signing of the Constitution, Washington lent his prestige to lobbying efforts, encouraging support for its ratification. He believed that the document produced by the Convention was the best possible at the time and praised its amendability. He also addressed concerns raised by a group of Presbyterians from New England, assuring them that the path of true piety required little political direction.
In 1788, prior to the first presidential election in 1789, Washington was appointed chancellor of the College of William & Mary. He also became the first president of the United States under the new Constitution, performing many "firsts," including the appointment of federal officials and members of the Supreme Court.
Washington's presidency was marked by his commitment to civil liberties, religious freedom, and non-partisan government. He opposed political factionalism and exercised restraint in using his veto power. As commander-in-chief, he took a strong hand in foreign policy, resisting British and French threats to American interests while keeping the nation out of the European war.
Washington's most important contribution to American political development may have been his decision to not seek reelection after two terms, setting a precedent for the peaceful transition of power and allowing for the emergence of a new leader within his lifetime.
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His appointment of federal officials
George Washington's appointment of federal officials was a significant aspect of his presidency and the formation of the United States government. As the first president of the United States under the new Constitution, Washington had the important task of nominating the first members of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.
Washington's appointments reflected his commitment to creating a strong and unified central government. He appointed individuals who shared his vision for the country and who would play a crucial role in shaping the nation's future. One of his notable appointments was Edmund Randolph as the first Attorney General. Randolph had introduced the Virginia Plan during the Constitutional Convention, which called for a new constitution and a sovereign national government, aligning with Washington's goals.
In addition to Randolph, Washington appointed Samuel Osgood as Postmaster General, Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Henry Knox as Secretary of War, and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. These individuals became part of Washington's cabinet, which served as a consulting and advisory body to the president. Washington carefully selected these individuals based on their qualifications and shared vision for the country.
The appointments made by Washington set a precedent for the role of the executive branch and the president's power to shape the federal government. He believed in the importance of a non-partisan government, where citizens with different views could work together for the betterment of the nation. This commitment to civil liberties and non-partisanship guided his choices for federal officials, ensuring that the country was governed by individuals with diverse perspectives and a unified goal.
Washington's decision-making process for these appointments was meticulous and thoughtful. His private correspondence, diaries, journals, and records of federal appointment applications provide valuable insights into his thinking and the founding of the United States government. These historical documents, carefully maintained by Washington, offer a unique perspective on the early days of the nation and the individuals who played a pivotal role in its formation.
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His opposition to political factionalism
George Washington's opposition to political factionalism was a key aspect of his presidency and his commitment to civil liberties, especially religious freedom. In his Farewell Address, Washington warned against the dangers of party and faction, advocating for a non-partisan government where patriotic citizens with diverse views could work together. He believed that his stature as a national hero and his service for two terms helped bridge strong regional differences and gave the new government time to stabilize before party factions could become divisive.
Washington's leadership style was characterized by his ability to forge consensus and his commitment to the unity of the nation. He worked closely with James Madison, who is often regarded as the "Father of the Constitution," to pave the way for the Federal Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where the new Constitution was drafted. Washington's influence was crucial in ensuring the adoption of the Constitution, as he lent his prestige to the work of the delegates and lobbied for its ratification.
Washington's opposition to political factionalism was also evident in his cabinet appointments and governance. He appointed individuals such as Edmund Randolph, Samuel Osgood, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Alexander Hamilton to key positions, forming a consulting and advisory body that was not mandated by the Constitution. Washington guided cabinet discussions by restricting them to topics of his choosing and expected department heads to carry out his decisions agreeably. He also exercised restraint in using his veto power, signing bills that he may have personally disagreed with to maintain unity and stability.
Additionally, Washington's private correspondence and writings reveal his commitment to religious freedom and his rejection of slavery. In a letter seeking workers for his estate in 1784, he wrote, "If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe. They may be Momometans, Jews or Christians of any Sect, or they may be Atheists." This example illustrates his inclusive attitude and lack of religious prejudice. Similarly, Washington's stance on slavery evolved over time, and he eventually emancipated his slaves, which was highly unusual among large slave-holding Virginians during the Revolutionary era.
Overall, George Washington's opposition to political factionalism was a defining feature of his presidency and his commitment to civil liberties. His leadership and influence helped shape the political course of the young nation, fostering unity and stability during a critical period in American history.
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Frequently asked questions
After signing the Constitution, George Washington helped lobby for its ratification. He also became the first president of the United States, appointing the first members of the Supreme Court and other federal officials.
George Washington was the president of the Constitutional Convention. He provided guidance and demanded secrecy as the delegates debated the future of the United States.
George Washington's most important contribution to the Constitution was his leadership in uniting the delegates and the new nation behind the idea of a new federal government. He also helped forge consensus and lent his prestige to the work of the delegates.
George Washington privately expressed his support for emancipation to prominent Methodists Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury in 1785. He also emancipated 123 or 124 slaves, which was highly unusual for a large slave-owning Virginian during the Revolutionary era. In his will, he provided for his slaves to be freed after his and his wife Martha's deaths.
As commander-in-chief of the American Revolutionary Army, George Washington helped secure the independence of the 13 states from Britain. He also called out the militia to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.
