Who Was the First President of the United States
The United States is the oldest surviving federation(union of self-governing states). It is a constitutional republic and representative democracy. The president is the leader of the country and may serve up to eight years before stepping down. The president is not directly elected, but citizens vote for electors, that represent their state, who pledge to vote for a specific presidential candidate. You might be wondering who was the first president of the United States? Read on to find out.
Who was the first president of the United States?
Although this might seem like a simple question, with a simple answer, but this is not actually the case. Just who was the first president of the United States is a hotly debated topic that still rages to this day. There is no denying that George Washington was the first president under the US Constitution. He was a member of the Federist party and was elected in 1789.
An alternative view
During the American Revolution a convention of delegates from around the country, called the Continental Congress, became the governing body of the United States. The first leader (president) of congress was Peyton Randolph, but it must be noted that this role was not the same as the president’s role that we know today. It was a position without real authority and was seen as a ceremonial position. Although, the president was responsible for signing official documents.
One of the strongest “other” claims to the first president of the US is John Hanson who was the first appointed leader of the then free colonies (after Maryland joined the other states in ratifying the Articles of Confederation in 1781). Although some historians claim him to be the first US president, his role was still considered to be ceremonial and his correct title was President of the Continental Congress.
There is no doubt the debate will rage for years to come but, as far as the majority are concerned, George Washington was the first president of the United States.
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