George Washington: Elected or Appointed to Presidency?

George Washington’s path to the presidency was a blend of political strategy and public acclaim. This article explores the intricacies of how he became the first president of the United States, delving into the mechanisms of the Electoral College and the political climate of the time.

Appointment vs Election

The term 'appointed' and 'elected' can sometimes be misleading when discussing the process through which George Washington became president. While he was ultimately elected, the path was more convoluted than a straightforward vote by the people. The Constitution did not initially provide for a people election; instead, it outlined a system of electors who would cast their votes for a president.

Washington was appointed to presidency by Congress after an election by Congress that had no other candidates. This process differed significantly from contemporary elections and did not involve a direct popular vote. The body that elected him, the Electoral College, was less democratic in 1788 than it is now, and consisted of people appointed by state legislatures.

First-Ever U.S. Presidential Election, 1788-89

George Washington was elected in the first-ever U.S. presidential election in 1788. The Electoral College, comprising 69 electors, unanimously voted for him, making him the only president to receive all Electoral College votes.

The Electoral College has not been so united since. Washington was re-elected in 1792, a sign of his immense popularity and public trust. He chose not to run in the 1796 election, going into voluntary retirement when John Adams took the oath of office in 1797.

The Mechanics of the Election

The process by which Washington was elected was both unique and reflective of the political landscape of the time. He was known for his role as the former Commander of the Continental Army and his leadership during the American Revolutionary War. His popularity was so great that it was known that he would be elected by virtual acclaim.

No formal political parties existed at this time, though an ideological divide had begun to emerge between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. This informal division manifested in the contest for the Vice-Presidency, leaving the role open to several contenders.

Thomas Jefferson predicted that a popular Northern leader such as Governor John Hancock of Massachusetts or John Adams, a former minister to Great Britain and a representative of Massachusetts in Congress, would be elected vice president. Anti-Federalist leaders like Patrick Henry and George Clinton also represented potential choices.

Washington was elected with all 69 Electoral College votes. John Adams, who won 34 electoral votes, took the office of Vice-President. The remaining 35 electoral votes were split among 10 different candidates, with John Jay receiving nine votes, finishing second.

On April 30, 1789, Washington was inaugurated in New York City, 57 days after the First Congress convened. This inaugural moment marked the beginning of a new era in American politics and set the stage for future leadership.

Conclusion

While George Washington was elected through a mechanism that was less democratic and less reflective of the people's direct voice, his path to presidency was one of national acclaim. This underscores the importance of historical context in understanding the political processes of the past and the challenges of interpreting them through modern lenses.