What Is George Washington's Legacy

Carving a Legacy

Through the history of the United States, there have been many noble and courageous men who carved out a long lasting legacy. Some men impressed the world with their immutable morals and ethics. Others expressed their military prowess, or their strong role as a leader. But there is only one man who has left the largest legacy, made the most change, in the history of the United States. Through his military strategy, his leadership and his work as the country’s first President, Washington became the most influential individual, made the largest impact on the country from his actions both during the Revolution and following it.
Staring at a war head-on, at the 2nd Continental Congress, it was decided to establish a regular
Washington noted “I see the powers of Congress declining too fast for the consequence and respect which is due to them as the grand representative body of America” (Morgan 126). Something needed to be done to keep Congress’s power, and limit the growth of state’s powers. To retain power in the national government, it was proposed that there be a meeting of delegates from every state, and they would conduct an overhaul of the current governing document, the Articles of Confederation. This meeting was led by George Washington. The outcome of the Constitutional Convention was the U.S. Constitution. This document outlines the working of the national government, outlining the two parts of congress and their powers, as well as the powers of the President. These powers are still in effect today, and the development of this document was closely watched by George Washington, Washington also helped facilitate the many compromises that occurred during this convention. Washington didn’t participate in the debates, but the delegates were aware that Washington would be President, so they kept him in mind.“The delegates designed the presidency with Washington in mind, and allowed him to define the office once elected” (The President’s House, Nat’l Park
Washington was unanimously elected in 1789. Washington clearly acknowledged that as the first President, he would be setting the precedent for how to conduct the job He wrote James Madison in 1789 "As the first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents be fixed on true principles" (Unger 76). Washington was going to be setting the expectations for what the President is supposed to do. Washington conducted his business in a way described as "systematic, orderly, energetic, solicitous of the opinion of others ... but decisive, intent upon general goals and the consistency of particular actions with them” (White 100) setting the precedent that the president should care about his work, listen to what others have to say, but exercise his ability to make the final call. Washington also started the idea of the President having a cabinet (Unger 236-237). The President still appoints his cabinet today, thanks to George Washington. Washington also signed the Residence Act of 1790, which allowed Washington to select where he wants the government to be ran out of (Webb 87). He ended up selecting an area on the Potomac River, in 1791 it was named “The city of Washington in the territory of the Columbia”, but nowadays we just call it “Washington”. Working with Alexander Hamilton, Washington also developed better relations with