Who was the first President of the United States?

George Washington holds the distinction of being the first President of the United States, having served from 1789 to 1797. He was unanimously elected by the Electoral College and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for his pivotal role in leading the country through its formative years following the American Revolution. Washington set important precedents for the office, including the tradition of serving only two terms, which later became law with the 22nd Amendment.

The selections of other figures like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison are significant in their own rights. Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and served as the nation's third president. John Adams was the second president and a key figure in advocating for independence. James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution," was the fourth president. Each contributed greatly to the establishment and governance of the United States, but only George Washington was the first to hold the presidential office.