George Essay, Research Paper
George Washington
George Washington is best known as the ?Father of our Country.? He cared
for this country much like a parent would care for a child. During his
presidency, he solved many noteworthy problems. His achievements led to a
democratic, wonderful country we like to call The United States of America.
Although he?s not thought of as glamorous, George Washington is looked
upon
with the utmost respect and awe by all countries of the world. George
Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 2.
` Virginia was alarmed when a French expedition from Canada established
posts
on the headwaters of the Ohio River. Conflict over this area eventually
erupted
into the French and Indian War, in which Washington played a major military
role that established his reputation as a commander. In the fall of 1758 the
French were defeated. In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a
wealthy
young widow. Washington matured into a solid member of Virginia society.
From 1759 to 1774 he served in the House of Burgesses. By 1774
Washington
had become a key supporter of the colonial cause. That same year he was
elected to the First Continental Congress. In 1775 the Second Continental
Congress elected Washington commander in chief of its army. In July
Washington arrived in Massachusetts, where the battles at Lexington and
Concord had been fought. The British pulled back most of their troops to
winter
in New York City, leaving scattered garrisons of German mercenaries in New
Jersey. On December 25 Washington led his small army across the
ice-clogged
Delaware, successfully attacked a garrison at Trenton, and re-crossed the
Delaware without interference. In January 1777 near Princeton, he defeated
three British regiments marching to reinforce General Charles Cornwallis.
The
British eventually surrendered. After the victory, Washington rejected a plan,
which had support in the army, of establishing a monarchy with himself as
king.
branches should have a large gap between them. He also believed that the
president should not influence Congress in the passing of laws. However, if
he
does not agree with a certain bill, he has the power of vetoing it. He viewed
the
responsibilities of the president largely as administering the laws of Congress
and supervising relations with other countries. Washington had set an
important
precedent when he attained the power to appoint and dismiss his own
department heads. Without this example, Congress could sneak behind the
President?s authority and allow unwanted department heads to stay in office
against the President?s wishes. Washington was ecstatic about forming his
cabinet, and he and his advisers acted with exceptional energy. Washington
was well equipped for the work of building a structure of administration. He
had a talent for fusing together his plans and actions to get adequate results.
First, he acquired the necessary facts, which he weighed carefully. Once he
had reached a decision, he carried it out with vitality and tenacity. He was
never lazy in making decisions for his country. He always acted promptly and
decisively. Thorough, systematic, accurate, and, being attentive to detail also
described his personality. He expected the same enthusiasm from every one
in
his administration. On September 24, 1789, Washington passed The Judiciary
Act, which set up a federal court system. Its basic features were provided for
by the Constitution. Since the president is considered the chief enforcer of
federal laws, it is his duty to prosecute cases before the federal courts. In this
work his agent is the attorney general. The Judiciary Act of 1789 planned so
well, that most of its essential features have survived until today. Washington
believed strongly in the constitutional demand that the executive, legislative,
and
judicial 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 that
Congress passed. However, he believed that if he disapproved of a bill, he
had
the right to veto it. Washington believed that the president?s duties were to
administer the laws of Congress and supervise relations with other countries.
George Washington was the first true pioneer of the newly born United States
of America. He helped shape this country to its Democratic perfection today.
During his double termed presidency, he ran the country with poise and
dignity.
It is no wonder that Henry Lee uttered that famous epitaph: ?first in war, first
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.?