George Washington George Washington is best known as the Father of our Country. He caredfor this country much like a parent would care for a child.
During hispresidency, he solved many noteworthy problems. His achievements led to ademocratic, wonderful country we like to call The United States of America. Although hes not thought of as glamorous, George Washington is lookeduponwith the utmost respect and awe by all countries of the world. GeorgeWashington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 2. ‘ Virginia was alarmed when a French expedition from Canada establishedpostson the headwaters of the Ohio River. Conflict over this area eventuallyeruptedinto the French and Indian War, in which Washington played a major militaryrole that established his reputation as a commander.
In the fall of 1758 theFrench were defeated. In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, awealthyyoung widow. Washington matured into a solid member of Virginia society. From 1759 to 1774 he served in the House of Burgesses.
By 1774Washingtonhad become a key supporter of the colonial cause. That same year he waselected to the First Continental Congress. In 1775 the Second ContinentalCongress elected Washington commander in chief of its army. In JulyWashington arrived in Massachusetts, where the battles at Lexington andConcord had been fought. The British pulled back most of their troops towinterin New York City, leaving scattered garrisons of German mercenaries in NewJersey. On December 25 Washington led his small army across theice-cloggedDelaware, successfully attacked a garrison at Trenton, and re-crossed theDelaware without interference.
In January 1777 near Princeton, he defeatedthree British regiments marching to reinforce General Charles Cornwallis. TheBritish eventually surrendered. After the victory, Washington rejected a plan,which had support in the army, of establishing a monarchy with himself asking. branches should have a large gap between them.
He also believed that thepresident should not influence Congress in the passing of laws. However, ifhedoes not agree with a certain bill, he has the power of vetoing it. He viewedtheresponsibilities of the president largely as administering the laws of Congressand supervising relations with other countries. Washington had set animportantprecedent when he attained the power to appoint and dismiss his owndepartment heads.
Without this example, Congress could sneak behind thePresidents authority and allow unwanted department heads to stay in officeagainst the Presidents wishes. Washington was ecstatic about forming hiscabinet, and he and his advisers acted with exceptional energy. Washingtonwas well equipped for the work of building a structure of administration. Hehad a talent for fusing together his plans and actions to get adequate results. First, he acquired the necessary facts, which he weighed carefully.
Once hehad reached a decision, he carried it out with vitality and tenacity. He wasnever lazy in making decisions for his country. He always acted promptly anddecisively. Thorough, systematic, accurate, and, being attentive to detail alsodescribed his personality. He expected the same enthusiasm from every oneinhis administration. On September 24, 1789, Washington passed The JudiciaryAct, which set up a federal court system.
Its basic features were provided forby the Constitution. Since the president is considered the chief enforcer offederal laws, it is his duty to prosecute cases before the federal courts. In thiswork his agent is the attorney general. The Judiciary Act of 1789 planned sowell, that most of its essential features have survived until today. Washingtonbelieved strongly in the constitutional demand that the executive, legislative,andjudicial branches of the government should be kept as separate as possible.
Washington did not use his charisma or office to influence legislative debates. He thought that the President should not try to control the kinds of laws thatCongress passed. However, he believed that if he disapproved of a bill, hehadthe right to veto it. Washington believed that the presidents duties were toadminister the laws of Congress and supervise relations with other countries.
George Washington was the first true pioneer of the newly born United Statesof America. He helped shape this country to its Democratic perfection today. During his double termed presidency, he ran the country with poise anddignity. It is no wonder that Henry Lee uttered that famous epitaph: first in war, firstin peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.
