Dorothy+M.+-+GW+-+SP10

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//February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799 // //Political Party: None (Supported the programs of the Federalists) // //Terms of Office: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 // //Vice President: John Adams //   During a time of exploration, treason and new beginnings, George Washington stands out as one of the main unifying forces that not only brought a country together, but provided the secure foundations necessary for it to stand and thrive on. While most of what he is known for was accomplished before his presidency, such as distinguishing himself as the Hero of the Monongahela, fighting in the Continental Army, first as the Major General, and then as Commander-in-Chief, leading American forces to victory at Trenton, New Jersey and later, Princeton, and overall, his performance and leadership throughout the Revolutionary War, among numerous other things, because of how Washington paved the road for a prosperous nation, in the midst of the aftershocks of war, while America was learning to live and survive on its own and during many other intense difficulties, George Washington’s presidency, without a doubt, deserves an overall grade of A.
 * __George Washington__ **

Though an extremely achieved man of valor, George Washington was also know for his quiet, yet systematic decisiveness. As president, Washington’s main intent was on general goals and the consistency of particular actions. He looked towards keeping the peace between the American colonies and worked hard at keeping Americans happy and moving forward. From early manhood, George Washington did pursue two intertwined goals, military arts and western expansion, by being involved in the military for a great portion of his life to also being a surveyor. One goal that Washington felt unusually strongly about was the exclusion of political parties in the government. Even though he was unsuccessful in maintaining this goal, Washington did make clear and forewarn the new nation of the major possibilities of conflict and stagnation which would more than likely result from the establishment of political parties both before the Federalist and Jeffersonian Republican Parties were declared and during his farewell speech at the end of his second term of presidency. The only other goal that Washington verbalized was his hope of living and dying an honest man on his own farm.

Washington’s relationship with Congress is something that could only be described as admirable. He raised the bar high and has set a standard that all of the American presidents and loyal men and women who have served in our United States Congress have yet to meet. When unsure of a decision, George Washington placed the needs of his people before his own wants. He held regular cabinet meetings to debate issues before ever making an important decision, he heavily relied on the advice from his cabinet, and was an able and excellent administrator and delegator. In handling routine tasks, George Washington was orderly, energetic, very concerned about the opinion of others and yet decisive at the same time. Relations were so good between Washington and Congress, in fact, that Congress convinced Washington to run for a second term. Throughout his two terms, George Washington continued to prove his image of a selfless, public servant who worked for the good of the people, including those who worked for and with him.

Washington made many brilliant and influential decisions during his presidency. Among others, he oversaw the ratification of the Bill of Rights, which are still in full force today and have also been added to, and he oversaw the establishment, location and planning of the future District of Columbia. Perhaps his greatest achievement, however, was the organization and establishment of the United States Executive and Judiciary Branches of government. Because of these establishments, Washington provided a government for the people that kept any one branch or person(s) from gaining too much power. Moreover, these branches have had lasting affects and have shaped America into the beautiful and free country that it is today; a country where the American people have certain liberties and rights, that cannot be taken away, and that are fought for and protected every day.

What made George Washington such a great president was the absence of negative decisions and mistakes. While Washington wasn’t perfect, he was wise and his actions as president greatly reflected as such. While understandable, one of Washington’s only faults was his habit of occasionally acting first and asking later. When it came to foreign affairs, Washington assumed control of treaty negotiations with hostile powers, like the Creek Nation of Native Americans, and then asked for congressional approval once everything had been finalized. Furthermore, Washington also sent American emissaries overseas for negotiations without legislative approval.

Being the first president, George Washington made many, many important decisions that would have lasting effects on the United States. For example, since most of Washington’s cabinet appointments went unchallenged, presidents are generally able to choose their own cabinets today. Furthermore, because of George Washington’s refusal to serve a third term, he established the precedent of the two- term limit, which was also added into the Bill of Rights as the 22nd Amendment. However, the decision that most likely had the greatest affect on presidents and administrations was Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793. The Proclamation of Neutrality stated that the United States would be impartial to belligerent powers currently in a war. Washington was such a big advocate of neutrality that he brought it back up in his Farewell Speech in 1796, warning Americans against foreign entanglements. This warning has become a huge part of American politics today.

Looking back, America was truly blessed by its Creator to have been put under the leadership of such a fine and noble president. Not only was George Washington a big factor in winning American independence, but he also paved the way for a successful nation and established the foundations this country is still built upon today. Because of his achievements and accomplishments, America, as a whole, is better off today than it would have been under the leadership of any other person. With everything that he contributed and worked so hard and valiantly for, George Washington, without a doubt, deserved an A as his overall grade for his performance as a president.